Managed migration from IS to UC

Chazzlou123

Hi we have received the letter to move over to UC and need some advice we are both carers for our severely disabled daughter. My partner claims carers allowance but we share the care as only one can claim the benefit. When we move over it will obviously have to be a joint claim and my partner will continue to claim carers allowance. My understanding is that like income support my partner will not be required to search for jobs due to officially caring for our daughter. My concern is where does that leave me will I have to search for jobs even though we both care for her. What would be my options in this situation as my priority has to be for caring for my child. Could my partner take me off his claim or would they recognise me as a carer also. 

Thank you in advance for any help 

huckster

Yes needs to be joint claim, with you having to search for employment, as your partner will be noted as main carer. Universal Credit will not note both parents as joint carers with no work requirement for either. So that means you being available for employment and attending regular Job Centre appointments.

Chazzlou123

Thank you for replying 

peteuk

Please remember this is a commitment to look for work, attend appointments and interviews.  Should you successfully obtain employment it is expected for you to take that position. 

Chazzlou123

Can I ask if considering my situation do the DWP take into consideration that I do have caring responsibility of at least 35 hours a week but obviously can’t claim CA as my partner claims. Would they still expect me to work 30 hours plus a week 

itsthelittlethings

Chazzlou123 said:

Can I ask if considering my situation do the DWP take into consideration that I do have caring responsibility of at least 35 hours a week but obviously can’t claim CA as my partner claims. Would they still expect me to work 30 hours plus a week 

You could ask them, I don’t know if they would say yes.

poppy12345

Do you have dependant children? if so how old is your youngest?

Spoonie_Turtle

In theory they are supposed to take into account your actual circumstances.  Whether that changes anything in reality, I couldn't say. 
(Wish I had the brainpower to dig deeper and find out where it says that and if it's based on any legislation but alas, definitely not today.)

kkkklinky

As far as the DWP are concerned your partner is the one providing full time care. So as part of your claimant agreement you would be expected to seek work. 

I think the issue is that people on ESA and IS as a result of one person being the MAIN claimant, didn't have work requirements, which always seemed strange to me...I never had to work because my partner was in the Support Group even though he was being cared for by his mother at the time before she passed away and without PIP or a Carers Allowance claim(which we now get)and I was fit for work. I think people have got too dependant on that system and as UC is claimed jointly unless you are deemed unfit to work yourself or a Carer, young baby etc you have to work.