Universal credit help

The only way to get a really accurate figure is to apply, but I’ve heard good things about this benefits calculator which should be able to give you a ballpark figure https://www.entitledto.co.uk/

You'll get single persons allowance, and child element. Then you can earn £404 before deductions start 55p per £1 of your earnings. I'd do the calculator above as suggested as if you're working full time it may not mean you're eligible for anything. They do also help with childcare costs x

Point to note though; if you quit your job you will be asked why at your very first appointment. UC is a means tested benefit and to them you’ve given up paid employment which was guaranteed work to claim a benefit.

@Adele does that mean I wouldn't receive any UC if I've given up paid employment? There is absolutely no way I can carry on working full time and to put my daughter in full time nursery it's nearly £1200 a month and at the minute I only qualify for tax free childcare, so still have to pay around £950 of my own wages towards that

@Jodie thank you, so how does the top up work? If I earn less than £404 then they'll top it up to that amount?

No, let me try and break it down Single allowance Child reward 85% childcare (on universal credit they reimburse you 85% of costs if you are working) That totaled say it's £1500 for me to explain And then what you earn after tax you get the first £404 without deduction So if you got paid £1000 they would then Deduct 55p per £1 you earn 596×0.55 = 327.80 So whatever the total amount your elements come to they would then minus 327.80 Then you'd be paid whatever is remaining So your UC total is £1500 - 327.80 You'd recieve 1172.20 Also what someone mentioned above, as a single parent with an 8 month old the rules of UC doesn't mean not going back to work doesn't mean you can't claim benefits as UC rules are you don't have to work until your child is 3. This may change with the new funded hours introduced but it's still 3. If you said you're a newly single parent, finding your feet with an 8 month old. A reason for not returning could simply be your job cant support you with part time work

They won't penalise you for "giving up work" as so many people have varying reasons. I left my job after my first child I was never asked why, it doesn't mean they won't but there are definitely ways you can still claim without being penalised

Sorry, I was replying as a general rule of thumb. Up until your child is 1 you don’t have work related requirements. Between 1 & 3 you start having conversations about preparing to go back to work by doing activities like updating CV, doing courses etc. they would discuss things like upfront childcare costs and claiming back childcare costs once you’re in employment.