saj626 wrote: ↑Mon Mar 04, 2019 9:46 pm
Many thanks for reply
We both work part time because we have two young children aged 3 and 4 which we have to look after.
could you please point out where it says one parent have to work 35 hours a week ?
once again Many thanks
Under the Welfare Reform laws, both parents can no longer choose to only work part time and ask for low income benefits because parents are expected to keep their own children. One parent must work full time. Universal Credit is based on required earnings per family.
With one parent working full time of 35 hours a week at the hourly National Minimum Wage, the other have their required weekly earnings based on the youngest child. By the time the youngest is age 13, they too must work full time of 35 hours a week at the hourly national minimum wage (see the link I gave).You can share that weekly amount between you.
The minimum hourly wage from 6 April 2019 will be £8.27 and it will rise again in April 2020.
Universal Credit is based on earnings per week and one of you will need to work 35 hours at NMW to avoid Universal Conditions (going to the job centre and having to prove you are looking for more hours, work placement, courses etc.) The other will need to earn 16 hours at NMW as your youngest child is age 3, to avoid going to the job centre, 36 plus 16 = 51 hours at NMW between you at £8.27. £421.77 per week (£21,932.04 per year).
That will will rise to 25 a week at the NMW when your youngest is 5. That's 60 hours a week at NMW between you = using the 2019/20 NMW, that's £496.20 a week minimum between you (£25,802.40 per year).
When your youngest is 13, that parent is expected to work the 35 hours a week at the hourly NMW too. That's 70 hours a week between at the hourly NMW. Using the 2019/20 NMW, that is earnings between you of £578.80 a week (£30,102.80 per year). There is a two child limit for low income benefits.
