Hi, my name is Anaz! At present I am claiming working tax credit and child tax credit

Anaz

I am a single parent with a 15 years old child who has disability and is on disability allowance.
At present I am claiming working tax credit n child tax credit as I am working 18 hrs a wk. I have received a notice to apply for universal credit soon  My child with a disability is turning 16 n as my circumstances will also change as my parents are moving away who help me out caring for my child while I am at work. It would become extremely difficult for me to carry on working for 18 hours. I am wondering whether I would be able to claim Carer's allowance? Also, I wonder if I stay home, will I be able to claim any other benefit as I will not have any other income coming in? 

poppy123456

You will need to make sure you claim UC by the date in the letter. Your Tax credits will end on the date stated in the letter, whether you claim UC or not. 

Your question about claiming any other benefits, UC has replaced all other benefits and there's no other Income Related benefits possible to claim. 

When you claim UC you can report being a carer for your son/daughter and your UC will include carers element, which will increase your maximum UC entitlement by £185.86/month. 

When claiming UC you do not need to claim carers allowance, if you do then it's just deducted in full from any UC entitlement anyway. 

When you claim UC your claim will include Standard allowance (single person) child element, disabled child element and carers element, as well as help with any rent, if you currently rent your home. 

Do be aware that once you claim UC your first payment will not be until 1 month and 6 days later. You can apply for an advance payment but this will need to be repaid back from future UC payments.