Wanting to start work

a9324
a9324 Online Community Member Posts: 9 Listener
Hi. I’m currently on universal credit and I have 1 child. I’m deemed not fit for work, I get the lcw but not the lcwra. 

I’m thinking of going to work part time regardless of it deteriorating my health as I’m struggling to meet ends meet.

 How much universal credit will I loose by working?

Most local cleaning jobs are less that 16 hours so I won’t be able to claim any working tax credits so trying to find 16 hours to be able to claim this but nothing is available. 

Is it worth waiting to find a 16 hours a week job to claim the working tax credits or what help is available working under 16? Would I still get my full universal credit on top
of my wages or some deductions? 

I’ve tried google and can see work caps ect but I just don’t understand anything 😑

I just need to try and make ends meet for me and my little one 

Comments

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,463 Championing
    You won’t be able to claim working tax credits because it no longer exists for new claims. Universal Credit has replaced it.

    For UC you will have the work allowance, which means you can earn a certain amount of money each month before the 55% deductions apply.

    If you claim for help with the rent then your work allowance will be £344/month, if you don’t it will be £573/month.

    If you start work then you must report a change of circumstances on your journal and tell them you’re working.

    Try using a benefits calculator and put in different earnings figures to see how much UC you would be entitled to.
  • a9324
    a9324 Online Community Member Posts: 9 Listener
    Yes I know it’s took over by universal credit. 

    So am I right in understanding you can earn anything under  £573 a month and claim full universal credit? (I don’t get help with housing anymore I’ve moved back home) 

    yes would update my journal once I find something :) was just asking where I stand with it all on here to get a bit more insight into what’s what 


  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,463 Championing
    a9324 said:
    Yes I know it’s took over by universal credit. 
    But you were asking about claiming working tax credits. 
    a9324 said:

    So am I right in understanding you can earn anything under  £573 a month and claim full universal credit? 

    Yes, earnings of up to £573 per month will ignored and you will still receive your maximum UC.
    https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/how-your-earnings-affect-your-payments
  • a9324
    a9324 Online Community Member Posts: 9 Listener
    Yes i know it’s all one payment now same as child tax credits it’s in with the universal credit as one payment, I always see it as child tax credit and working tax credit still (even though it’s called universal credit now) but thank you for your help with my questions :) 
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,463 Championing
    Tax credits and UC are 2 completely different benefits, with different rules.
  • calcotti
    calcotti Online Community Member Posts: 10,001 Championing
    edited August 2022
    a9324 said:..I always see it as child tax credit and working tax credit still (even though it’s called universal credit now) ..
    It is fundamentally different between UC and Tax Credits. Calling Tax Credits UC will justify confuse things - just ignore them. However the important issue is that UC get extra help to help with you with your income and children depending on your circumstances.
  • a9324
    a9324 Online Community Member Posts: 9 Listener
    Now I am confused lol. So you can claim working tax credits still? 

    My child tax credits shows as a payment through my UC so is tax credits another payment showing though UC? 

    I was told on the post It’s all UC now 

    really confused with it 
  • calcotti
    calcotti Online Community Member Posts: 10,001 Championing
    edited August 2022
    a9324 said:
    Now I am confused lol. So you can claim working tax credits still? 

    My child tax credits shows as a payment through my UC so is tax credits another payment showing though UC? 

    I was told on the post It’s all UC now 

    really confused with it 
    Now one can make a new Tax Credit claim. Some people are still receiving Tax Credits if they are already receiving them but no new possible claims are possible. Universal Credit is needed for new claims and the intention that all existing Tax Credits will also have stopped by the end of 2024.

    Tax Credits are not made through UC. They are a different a benefit system. Your UC includes a ‘child element’ - not a child credit.

    You cannot claim Working Tax Credits or Child Tax Credits if you are getting UC.

    If you are referring to UC just ignore referring to Tax Credits - it just confuses you. 
  • a9324
    a9324 Online Community Member Posts: 9 Listener
    Thank you calcotti :)

  • L_Volunteer
    L_Volunteer Community Volunteer Adviser, Scope Member Posts: 7,922 Championing
    If we can do anything else to help you @a9324, please don't hesitate to let us know. We are all here for you  :)