Tax credits > Universal Credit Migration query please

General_query

Hello,

I live with my partner and our little boy. We had been on Child Tax credits and have both received the "migration to Univeral Credit" letters.

The MSE moneysavingexpert benefit checker and another said we would still get money when changing to Universal Credit. So we started the claim last night - but have not clicked submit, as right on the last line it said by clicking submit my partner was agreeing to look for work and get a job.

She hasn't been working as she had been looking after our child and then once he started school her mum needed her help, and now that she lost her mum last year she was going to have a few years break and not work. She didn't want to claim JSA, and hasn't been doing so. Yet we still qualified for child tax credit.

So, is it correct that despite being *made* to leave Child Tax credit and apply for Universal Credit, they will not separate reasons, i.e. replace the Child Tax credit part without forcing her to look for work.

Can we not claim Universal Credit then, without it forcing that part? We were only expecting to get the £30 a week we're being  topped up with Child Tax credit.

I'm waffling on a bit - but my point is, can people migrating from Child Tax credit to Universal Credit only receive even a small amount of  money if the none worker of the relationship looks for work?

She has valid reasons not to, and had no intention of claiming money such as JSA. Our son is at school, and I work full time. We got help on Child Tax credit, is that now gone, as we can't click "Submit" if it's going to force her into that.

Again there's reasons, so please don't criticise and post on here making negative, unhelpful replies.

I'm just trying to check we have the facts and rules correct.

Thank you

peteuk

Yes she is expected to look for work, the amount depends on the age of you child.

under 3 - attend work focused appointments
3-4 - under 30 hrs
5-12 - over 30 hours
13+ - over 35 hours 

She may not be able to claim JSA as this is dependant on NI contributions for the last two years. 

At present she will be expected to look for work and if offered expected to take a job.  You could use a benefit calculator to work out what youd get and if its worth it,  Bearing in mind the child benefit will only provide NI cover until they age of 12.  Without a job she may struggle to receive a fukk pension.

Spoonie_Turtle

Each different benefit has its own requirements.  UC requires looking for work unless fitting into one of the categories of people who don't.

It may also depend on your earnings, as if they're high enough she may be put into the 'light touch' regime and not required to intensively look for work.  (Though there are changes to that coming in at some point, I have no idea when.)
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/universal-credit-and-earnings#earnings-and-your-responsibilities

General_query

Apologies for the lateness in replying, not been well these past few weeks. 

Thank you for the replies, had no idea signing up for UC did mean a commitment to looking for work when being migrated.

Decided not to go ahead with the switch / migration obviously.

Cheers again.

peteuk

The commitment is to look for work and should she be offered a job she would be expected to take it.  Should you choose to apply for UC then there will be a potential of Transitional protection.

TC had many issues which UC addresses (eg you could have over £16K in Capital and still claim TC) or in your case choose not to work.  (I am not knocking this just saying) so yes now UC is being rolled out to the majority of people claiming benefits it does expect a commitment in return. 

That commitment depends on several factors and this includes your income.  I would suggest applying to see what those commitments are, you can always cancel it.