Advice on UC and PIP

sarahxamelia

I am hoping someone can provide me with some advice and clarity on here. I am a single mum working full time. My daughter is 16 and is not in full time Ed or College and is in receipt of the highest level of PIP. As she is not in Full time ed or college my universal credit payments have now dropped from 498.20 PM to only 116.00 PM My UC was being paid direct to my landlord (Housing Association) as a contribution towards my rent. I am now having to pay a substantial amount more towards my rent because of the reduction and this has really impacted my finances. My daughter has several complex neurological disorders and is also acrophobic she is not able to attend college or school. Id give anything for her to be able to do so but this is currently our reality. Can I fight for the UC given her circumstances?

OverlyAnxious

Hi,

Your daughter should be able to make her own claim for UC in this situation. It can be claimed at 16 for people with a disability who are not in education.

She can then help towards the bills etc.

She will need a fit note from a GP to explain why she can't work.

If she's not up to making her own claim, you can be her appointee and complete the forms etc on her behalf.

sarahxamelia

Jimm_Alumni

Hi @sarahxamelia, I hope you are doing okay. I can imagine the strain on your finances because of the reduction has been stressful.

As OverlyAnxious mentions, your daughter should be able to claim UC now. You can see the eligibility on this page under the "Claiming if you're 16 or 17" section: Universal Credit: Eligibility - GOV.UK

Since this will take a bit of time I'll also link our advice section around help with bills and money: Advice and support | Disability charity Scope UK