Not returning to work after maternity has ended

SiennaSeven

Morning all,

looking for some advice please as I can’t get a straight answer from UC. I was working up until I went on maternity leave, I’m due back at the end of this month but I’m having trouble finding a nursery who can take my baby at short notice, plus I’m really not keen on leaving her to return to work just yet, I’d rather wait until she is 2. I’ve asked for an extension from my employer but they have responded saying it’s a requirement that am back in the office at the end of January.
My question is, would I get sanctioned (this has never happened to me in the past but I’ve read about sanctions) or would I continue to get the same amount of UC as my baby is only 1? I’ve heard they only ask you to look for work once they are 3? My worry is that as I already had a job but won’t be returning that through their eyes I may be making myself jobless. Or am I just overthinking it?

Thanks in advance! x

poppy123456

You will not be sanctioned for not returning to work. When your youngest child is 2 years old you will not be expected to look for work but maybe expected to attend work focused interviews at your local job centre but that depends on your circumstances. If you're claiming with a partner and they work with earnings over the AET amount you won't have any commitments anyway. See link

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-and-your-claimant-commitment-quick-guide/universal-credit-and-your-claimant-commitment#if-you-have-children

SiennaSeven

thank you so much for your response. I’ve been trying to get an answer for weeks! Honestly appreciate it so much. My partner does work. Thanks for the link!