WTC or UC??

Married couple - wife has terminal illness - not yet applied for PIP DS1500
Husband previously self-employed. Now a carer (not worked for 6 weeks)
5 children under the age of 18 living at home.
In receipt of WTC due to husband’s recent status as self-employed. Also in receipt of CB.

Is UC the right way to go now + CA and PIP?

Presumably the claim is for CTC and WTC already. Do they have rent to pay and are they getting HB? Do they have any capital? Would the wife qualify for nsESA?

I think in general terms, they would be better off claiming UC in most cases as this will ensure they are getting the personal allowance for both members of the couple. The exception is if they have capital exceeding £16k, in which case they ought to stay on legacy as UC would be refused altogether but CTC could still be paid.

If HB is not a factor or is already in payment and there is an nsESA entitlement, then I would make UC at about £40 per week better than legacy. This is significant but given all the UC horror stories, I don’t think you could really blame someone in this position if they decided to forgo it and stay on legacy.

If they need help with rent and aren’t on HB already, or if there is no nsESA entitlement, then there is a bigger difference and UC starts to look like the only realistic option.

Sorry, not a straightforward answer!

Just a note to add that if they do go he UC route there is no need to claim CA as the carer element can be included in UC without claiming CA. Can, of course, choose to claim CA to get the Class 1 NI Credits if they wish but there will be no financial gain.

Many thanks for this.
No savings, mortgaged property. Wife not eligible for nsESA.
Do you have any idea re: WTC if husband not currently working and unlikely to be for some time if he has to notify WTC anyway due to change in circumstances? Is there a timeframe where you can continue to claim WTC in these circs?