- Can Stay At Home Mums Get Universal Credit?

There is no simple solution to this question because there are different rules for different people. In general, yes, but it depends on your additional income and conditions. You may be eligible for Universal Credit if you are a stay-at-home mom who has never worked or held another form of job.<a href="https://ukcareguide.co.uk/universal-credit-and-stay-home-mums/">>CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION <</a>

- When Do I Tell Universal Credit I Have A Job?

Notifying Universal Credit of your new employment and pay information is necessary. Failure to do so may result in an overpayment of Universal Credit, which will need to be repaid later. You should also notify Universal Credit if your job hours or income change, as these factors, may impact the amount of money you are eligible to receive.<a href="https://ukcareguide.co.uk/universal-credit-and-stay-home-mums/">> CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION <</a>

April 2024

Stay-At-Home-Mum Benefits & Support In April 2024

This article outlines how benefits can assist mothers in managing their household finances more effectively. The article will help you do the following –

1 – Highlight the importance of understanding the financial support available to stay-at-home mums.

2 – Provide key learning outcomes regarding single-parent benefits, benefits for stay-at-home mums, and support for stay-at-home mums.

3 – Discuss the main topics covered, including benefits for unemployed mothers and how to navigate the system if you’re out of work and not claiming benefits.

4 – Emphasise the benefits of comprehending these topics for better financial planning and support access.

5 – Suggest actions to take post-reading, such as applying for relevant benefits and seeking further advice if needed.

Key Takeaways & Learnings From This Page on Stay At Home Mum Benefits

1 – Universal Credit consolidates single parent benefits and benefits for stay-at-home mums into one payment scheme.

2 – Support for stay-at-home mums includes financial aid for childcare costs, making it easier for mothers to manage their finances.

3 – Benefits for unemployed mothers are accessible through Universal Credit, provided certain eligibility criteria are met.

4 – The application process for Universal Credit is streamlined and can be completed online, offering support for stay-at-home mums.

5 – If you are out of work and not claiming benefits, there may be several financial support opportunities available for you. This article guides how to access these benefits.

6 – Government support for stay-at-home mums includes child benefit payments and tax-free childcare options.

7 – It’s crucial to understand Universal Credit and other benefits to maximize the financial support available.

Universal Credit And Stay At Home Mums

To qualify for Universal Credit, your partner must also meet specific requirements. You must both work fewer than 16 hours per week combined and have a monthly household income of no more than £2,000 after deducting rent or mortgage payments and childcare bills.

Additionally, your partner must receive benefits such as Income Support or Jobseeker’s Allowance, or have an annual income of less than £18,000.

If you were employed before having children, you are more likely to qualify for Universal Credit if your combined household income is below the eligibility criteria. If this is the case, you may be eligible to receive a “lone parent element” in addition to the standard payment to assist with childcare costs.

Universal Credit can also assist families with children or parents who are disabled. For instance, if a parent receives a disability benefit such as Disability Living Allowance (DLA), they may be eligible for a supplement to their universal credit payments.

They will also receive assistance with rent and council tax payments, which would otherwise be deducted from their monthly income. Depending on your income, you may still be entitled to receive child benefit payments and continue with tax-free childcare if you use that to support your care costs.

How to Apply for Universal Credit

Applying for Universal Credit is a straightforward process intended to be completed online. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the application process –

1 – Prepare the Necessary Information

Before starting your application, gather all required information, including your bank account details, National Insurance number, information about your housing, income, and savings, and details of any income that’s not from work, e.g., from an insurance plan.

2 – Online Application

Visit the official Universal Credit website to start your application. You’ll need to create an account if you don’t already have one, which will be used to manage your claim and communicate with your work coach.

3 – Interview at Jobcentre Plus

After submitting your online application, you’ll be invited to an interview at your local Jobcentre Plus. This interview is to confirm the details you’ve provided and to discuss your agreement to look for work if this is part of your claim requirement.

How To Apply For Benefits

This section discusses the process of applying for several key benefits available for stay-at-home mums.

1 – Applying for Child Benefit

a) Fill Out the CH2 Form

Download and complete the Child Benefit claim form (CH2) available on the government’s website.

b) Send the Form and Your Child’s Birth Certificate

Mail the completed form along with your child’s original birth or adoption certificate to the Child Benefit Office. The address is on the form.

2 – Applying For Maternity Allowance

a) Complete the MA1 Claim Form

This form is available online at the government’s website. Fill it out with details of your employment and earnings.

b) Provide Proof of Pregnancy

You’ll need to include proof of your pregnancy, such as a letter from your doctor or midwife, or your MATB1 certificate.

c) Submit Your Application

Send your completed form and proof of pregnancy to the address provided on the form or take it to your local Jobcentre Plus.

3 – Sure Start Maternity Grants

a) Fill Out the SF100 Claim Form

This form can be downloaded from the government’s website. Complete it with information about your family and financial situation.

b) Submit the Form

You can either post the form to the address provided or hand it in at your local Jobcentre Plus.

Eligibility Criteria for Universal Credit

Universal Credit is designed to support individuals and families on low income or out of work. To qualify, applicants must meet several conditions, which vary depending on individual circumstances, including employment status, income level, and household composition.

1 – Income and Savings Thresholds

To be eligible for Universal Credit, your household’s combined income and savings play a crucial role. You and your partner’s total savings and capital must be £16,000 or less. The amount of Universal Credit you may receive decreases as your savings and income increase, potentially affecting your eligibility.

2 – Employment Status

While Universal Credit supports those out of work, it also caters to low-income earners. If you are employed, your earnings will affect how much Universal Credit you can receive. The system is designed to ensure work always pays more than receiving benefits alone.

3 – Household Composition

Your eligibility for Universal Credit can also depend on your household composition. This includes whether you live with a partner, have children, or care for a disabled person. Different elements of Universal Credit are available to support various household needs, such as child elements for those with children or a housing element for help with rent.

4 – Age and Residency Requirements

Applicants must be over 18 and under State Pension age to qualify for Universal Credit. You must also live in the UK. There are exceptions for those aged 16-17 in specific circumstances, such as having children or being without parental support.

5 – Health and Disability

If you have a health condition or disability that affects your ability to work, you may be eligible for Universal Credit. You might need to undergo a Work Capability Assessment to determine how your condition affects your work capability and to identify the appropriate level of support.

"Universal Credit is a benefit aimed at assisting low income individuals. It has replaced six separate payments for different needs, including Income Support and Jobseeker's Allowance."

UK Care Guide Tweet

Work-Related Requirements for Universal Credit

Universal Credit includes specific work-related requirements for recipients, depending on their circumstances. These requirements are designed to support individuals in preparing for, finding, and maintaining work.

1 – Requirements Based on Your Situation

The work-related requirements you need to meet can vary based on several factors, including the age of your children, your health, and your current work situation.

2 – For Parents and Guardians

If you are a stay-at-home mum or dad with young children, the requirements are adjusted to reflect your caregiving responsibilities. For example, if your youngest child is under one year old, you will not be expected to look for work. As your child grows, the requirements gradually increase, with parents of children aged three to four expected to engage in work preparation activities.

3 – Health Conditions and Disabilities

Individuals with health conditions or disabilities may have tailored requirements. These are determined through a Work Capability Assessment, which evaluates how your condition affects your ability to work. Depending on the outcome, you might be required to engage in work-focused interviews only or be exempt from work-related requirements altogether.

4 – Regular Reviews and Adjustments

Your work-related requirements can change over time, based on changes in your circumstances or at regular review points with your work coach. It’s important to keep your work coach informed about any significant changes in your life that could affect your work-related requirements.

This section aims to provide clear, detailed information on the work-related requirements associated with Universal Credit, helping readers understand what is expected of them based on their circumstances.

Do I Have To Work If I Have A Child Under 5?

For people who are on benefits and have a child under 5, the rules about having to work are set up so that they can still take care of their child. You don’t have to work if you have a child younger than one year old.

If you have a child between the ages of one and two, you will have to go to periodic interviews about work, but you won’t have to look for or do any work.

Depending on your situation, you might be expected to work up to 16 hours a week if your child is between the ages of 3 and 4.

You might also be asked to do tasks that help you get ready for work. Once your child turns 5, though, you’ll be expected to work like everyone else who gets Universal Credit, unless there are other special situations.

It’s important to talk to your work coach often and stay up-to-date on any changes to the rules or your situation.

Do Both Parents Have To Work To Get Universal Credit?

To get Universal Credit, both parents do not have to work. You can get UC based on several things, not just whether or not you have a job, such as your income, savings, and situation. UC may still be available to you based on your overall financial situation, even if one parent works and the other doesn’t or if both are unemployed.

UC is also meant to encourage people to work. For example, if someone is working, their benefit can go down slightly as they earn more money. This makes sure that working always pays more than just getting benefits.

Families need to make sure they meet the inclusion requirements and let the right people know if their situation has changed.

Can I Apply For Universal Credit If I Resign From My Job?

Yes, you may be eligible for Universal Credit if you have just lost your work and cannot get other employment. The amount of money you will receive is based on your household income and any other benefits you now receive.

If you are leaving the workforce to become a full-time carer for your family or children, you may be eligible for the ‘lone parent element,’ which gives additional financial assistance. However, this will rely on your specific situation and if you fit the following conditions.

What Counts As Income For Universal Credit?

When determining your eligibility for Universal Credit, your income is considered because it influences the amount of money you will receive. Any earnings from a job or self-employment, any state benefits such as Jobseeker’s Allowance or Income Support, and Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credits are considered in the assessment process.

Pension payments and other sources of income, such as rent payments and savings interest, may also be included. It is vital to remember that while applying for Universal Credit, all sources of income must be disclosed. Failure to do so may result in an overpayment that must be reimbursed later.

Universal Credit is a crucial source of income for stay-at-home mothers who cannot work because of caring commitments or other situations. To receive compensation, you must meet the eligibility requirements and disclose all sources of income on your application.

If you are unsure about your eligibility or have any questions, you should contact your local Jobcentre Plus office or visit the Citizens Advice website for further information.

Which Benefits Are Included In Universal Credit?

Universal Credit is a collection of numerous benefits to assist with living expenses and provide financial assistance to unemployed people.

These advantages include –

1 – Child Tax Credit

2 – Housing Benefit

3 – Income Support

4 – Jobseeker’s Allowance

5 – Working Tax Credit

Those who qualify for Universal Credit also receive a “daycare element ” that assists with childcare expenditures. It also provides additional funds for households with disabled children or parents. It is essential to note that each benefit has its own set of requirements that must be completed to receive payments.

House Wife Benefits

In this section, we will discuss suitable benefits for stay-at-home mums. Being a stay-at-home mother is a vital and frequently unappreciated role, but you may be eligible for certain benefits if you meet specific conditions.

Working Tax Credit (WTC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC) are offered by the British government as part of its tax credit system. WTC gives additional funds to low-income individuals who do not qualify for other means-tested benefits or statutory entitlements, whereas CTC is intended to assist with the expense of care for children under 16 years of age.

If you are part of a married couple, your partner’s income may alter the amount you can claim; thus, you should contact your local Jobcentre Plus office before applying for either.

Carer’s Allowance is given to those who care for a disabled adult or child, while Universal Credit (UC) assists low-income or unemployed individuals with housing and living expenses. Again, you cannot simultaneously obtain WTC and UC.

If you have reached the age of eligibility for the State Pension, you may be eligible for Pension Credit and Savings Credit, while some local governments offer emergency assistance through Crisis Grants or discretionary housing payments.

It is essential to check with your local municipality to determine what assistance is available in your region.

Can I Claim Benefits If I Homeschool My Child?

If you decide to homeschool your child, you don’t immediately get extra benefits on top of what you might already get based on your income and other factors. But homeschooling doesn’t stop you from getting rewards on its own, either.

If you teach and meet the requirements for some benefits, like Universal Credit, Child Benefit, or others, you can apply for them. The important thing is that eligibility is mostly based on things like income, savings, and other specific situations, not on whether or not someone is homeschooling.

Parents who teach their kids should look at the requirements for each benefit and talk to local welfare counsellors or the right government office to find out what they are entitled to.

Additional Financial Support for Stay at Home Mums

Stay-at-home mums may be eligible for a variety of financial support options beyond Universal Credit. Understanding these can provide a more comprehensive view of the support available.

1 – Child Benefit

Every parent or guardian residing in the UK is entitled to claim Child Benefit. This is a regular payment intended to help with the costs of raising a child. For the first child, the current rate is £21.15 per week, and for additional children, £14.00 per week per child.

2 – Maternity Allowance

For those who do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay, Maternity Allowance is an alternative. It’s available to pregnant women and new mothers who have been employed or self-employed for 26 weeks out of the 66 weeks before the expected week of childbirth.

3 – Sure Start Maternity Grant

A one-off payment of £500, the Sure Start Maternity Grant is designed to help towards the costs of having a child. It is available to families receiving certain benefits, including Universal Credit, and is intended for the first child or multiple births if there are no other children under 16 in the household.

4 – Healthy Start Vouchers

Families on low incomes with pregnant women or children under four years old can apply for Healthy Start vouchers. These vouchers can be used to buy milk, plain fresh and frozen vegetables, infant formula milk, and fresh fruit. You also get coupons for free vitamins.

5 – Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit

While being phased out and replaced by Universal Credit, some families might still be receiving these tax credits. They provide extra financial support for families with children and low-income workers.

6 – Education Grants and Free School Meals

Low-income families may also be eligible for support with educational costs, such as free school meals for their children. This can significantly reduce household expenses and ensure children receive a nutritious meal during the school day.

Our Final Thoughts

The financial support system in the UK provides a network of assistance for stay-at-home mums, from single-parent benefits to benefits for unemployed mothers. Key pieces of information presented in this article include –

1 – Universal Credit serves as a comprehensive benefit for low-income families, offering support for stay-at-home mums.

2 – Benefits for stay-at-home mums and single-parent benefits are designed to alleviate financial pressures on households.

3 – Understanding Universal Credit can provide additional support for families in transition.

4 – Being out of work and not claiming benefits leaves families without crucial financial support; awareness and application are key.

5 – Seeking advice and support from local councils and online resources can guide mums through the benefits application process.

6 – Stay-at-home mums are encouraged to explore all available benefits to ensure they are receiving the full range of support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can stay-at-home mums claim benefits through Universal Credit?

Stay-at-home mums can indeed claim benefits through Universal Credit, which is designed to support individuals and families on low incomes or out of work. This includes stay-at-home mums who may not be working due to childcare responsibilities. It’s important to meet certain eligibility criteria, such as income levels and savings, to qualify for Universal Credit.

Do both parents have to work on Universal Credit to be eligible?

No, both do not have to work on Universal Credit. The system considers household income and circumstances, so one parent working or both parents being unemployed can still lead to eligibility, depending on the overall financial situation of the household.

Can I claim Universal Credit if I live with my parents?

Yes, you can claim Universal Credit if you live with your parents, as eligibility is based on your financial situation and not the household income of your parents. However, your living situation may affect the amount you receive, especially if you pay rent to your parents or contribute to household expenses.

At what age does my child have to be before I go back to work under Universal Credit rules?

Generally, there are no expectations for you to look for work if your youngest child is under one. As your child gets older, the expectations gradually increase, with full work search requirements typically resuming once your youngest child turns 5.

Can I claim Universal Credit if my child doesn’t live with me?

Yes, you can claim Universal Credit if your child doesn’t live with you, but it may affect the components of Universal Credit you’re eligible for, such as the child element. Your eligibility and the amount you receive will depend on your circumstances, including your income, savings, and other factors.

Meet the author

Tom Walker

Tom is a Content Writer and Editor for UK Care Guide, having previously acted as Head of Online for the Manchester Historian, and also the former editor for The Peterloo Institute.

Tom is a graduate of the University of Manchester with a BA (Hons) History degree.

His particular specialisms include writing on issues relating to later life (e.g. stairlifts, live-in care) and elderly care, having previously worked in a care capacity.