Universal credits appointment

I was told 2 years old for my first, they don't expect you to look for work till then, I get the phone calls every 3 months but I am working they're expecting me to find 2 more hours as I only do 14 hours a week 😂 like every time they call it's a short conversation I tell them I can't find the extra 2 hours because of the type of job it is and I'm doing what works for me and my partner who also works, and they're like ok we will make another appointment in a few months, honestly I'd ring up and tell them you don't want to find work till your child is 2 (if that's what it is for you)

So all work commitments are switched off until your cut off date after your child turns 3, the end of the period in which he turns 3 (everyone's payment cycle is different based on dates applied)

From the age of 2 years while not expected to be searching for work there is an expectation that you actively do things to help make yourself ready such as update CV if needed, there's free courses you can do if you want to, in my experience they suggested looking at volunteer work although they can only suggest it. I don't really know what else counts as getting ready for work. I just did a free course that sounds fun because it filled the commitment and was nice to have something to focus on outside being a mum. A lot of my appointments in that time revolved around finding a nursery or childcare for my son when he turned 3 so I would be ready to work.

Before aged 2 I was basically just checking in with them to say nothing changed however I know childcare free hours have changed slightly since then and unsure if that has resulted in any changes to commitments but my work coach didn't mention any changes coming up when she mentioned the changes leading up to my son turning 3

I have the same, mine say they don’t expect to be back in work until 3 years old but the calls are just a check up on if anything has changed and if you need any more support/info. Only last about 5-10 minutes and it’s just a no pressure conversation😃

Thanks, ladies. I have a 4 year old, too but I've always worked and never had to use UC, we only get a small top up of £300 as my partner also works.

My plan is to put my 16 month old in private nursery when he turns 2 and then undertake a childcare course and any other courses that will better myself, once I've completed those then I want to be back in work hopefully by the times he's 3 years old