Hi, my name is CreativeG! I’m so confused by this red tape on UC!

CreativeG

Sorry if this is a long explanation 😣
I care for my disabled mum and work 15hrs a week. I claim Universal Credit and did have the carers element with that until, we realised my mum would lose £300/month of her SDP! So, I gave up the carers element however this has now triggered me being put into a “work commitment group” and I’m expected to find 35hrs of work despite informing UC I care for over 40hrs a week! I’ve tried everything to tell them I’m still caring but don’t want to claim carers element or carers allowance and I’m getting nowhere. Help?! 

Albus_Scope

Heya @CreativeG and welcome.

That sounds like an absolute nightmare, I'm so sorry they don't make things more straight forward for you! I'm still learning about UC, so I'm unable to offer any useful help, but I'm sure some of our regulars will be along shortly to help.
  Just to let you know, I've moved your post into the Universal Credit category, so more people in the know will be able to see it. Hope that's ok.  

CreativeG

Thank you Albus! ☺️

A_CRUCE_SALUS

Try and get CAB on the case. DWP listen to the pros. Always remember when dealing with the state that patience is a virtue. Be positive.

CreativeG

My patience with the state is a little thin right now 🙄😂 

Thank you for replying, good advice. 

Just to add, a screenshot of their position 🤔

A_CRUCE_SALUS

CreativeG said:

My patience with the state is a little thin right now 🙄😂 

Thank you for replying, good advice. 

Just to add, a screenshot of their position 🤔

Blimey thats would appear as if AI has got better lately, or its an actuall hooman. I doubt its true because you used to have to apply for carers in any form and carers element was a little hidden gem. CAB again old chum

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/carers-allowance/

CreativeG

Ha ha! 😂 
Again, thank you! Agree with what you said! 

poppy123456

Unfortunately, UC are correct. Although you are a carer because you're not claiming carers element or carers allowance then you will be treated as a job seeker. 

You can of course claim carers element again but this would affect your mum's SDP. Sadly, you can't have it both ways. 

CreativeG

Thank you Poppy, I’ve resigned myself to this fact now. Not sure how I’ll physically fit caring around a full time job, burnout probably 🤷🏼‍♀️😣 

Kimmy87

CreativeG said:

Thank you Poppy, I’ve resigned myself to this fact now. Not sure how I’ll physically fit caring around a full time job, burnout probably 🤷🏼‍♀️😣 

Perhaps chat to your Mum and have a discussion about which is the better option, her losing SDP or the above. 

poppy123456

CreativeG said:

Thank you Poppy, I’ve resigned myself to this fact now. Not sure how I’ll physically fit caring around a full time job, burnout probably 🤷🏼‍♀️😣 

Remember that UC is not about the hours you work, it's about the earnings you receive. If your earnings are more than the AET for your circumstances then you should be in the light touch group anyway.

bernadetta

You could also argue that you are a "relevant carer" although the DWP staff will probably not know what you mean. Relevant carer cares for sb with physical or mental impairment.

In my experience, the claimant had to provide evidence of impairment and their claimant commitments were updated to reflect the nr of hours they cared for this person, and in result, their Administrative Earnings TThreshold changed, as poppy said.

 The relevant carer is explained in the DWP guidance following the regulations, although I do not remember which one. Probably worth googling it.

On the other note, although I understand not wanting your mum to lose SDP, carer element brings a lot of benefits, including as you noticed, their expectations on your job search, exempt from benefit- cap and in the long run will protect you from sanction, considering the current direction of the gov's approach (increasing number of sanctions)