Told I owe 4 months and given bill by UC?

Misty117

Hoping for advice sorry if long but I'm really worried I was migrated from esa to uc.but esa still pay me

I'm on pip enhanced rate care enhanced mobility

Uc have just give me a bill for my son age 22 non dependant they say I owe 4months money?

My occupational therapist told me because I'm on pip I would be exempt from non dependant deductions..

Only way to contact uc through a journal it's a nightmare they never reply

So I don't know what's the truth

Ot saying don't worry

BBut I am very worried don't want to get in debt owing rent I'm just really down can anyone advise me

Kimi87

Your OT is correct, due to your PIP you are exempt from non dependant deductions for HE.

Have you told UC that you receive PIP?

Try adding a note under Service Issues, and Payment too.

If you don't get anywhere you can make a formal complaint

Misty117

Thankyou I've just rang uc only way you cam get reply from agent on journal

He just told me I've been given wrong information I'm not entitled because I'm not registered blind

I didn't want to be a know it all or be rude but they should know more than me this is today I made call

Journal reply says I'm not entitled I'm so confused

Kimi87

You have been advised incorrectly

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/benefits/universal_credit_housing_cost_contributions

As you aren't getting anywhere with Journal or phone line I'd make a complaint about them incorrectly applying the non dependant deduction to your Housing Element.

https://makeacomplaint.dwp.gov.uk/

Misty117

Is this definitely I'm not registered blind I don't want to complain and I'm wrong il ring back thankyou

Kimi87

The UC helpline is little more than a call centre they often get things wrong.

If you read the guidance on Shelter you will see what I have advised is correct.

I strongly suggest you make a complaint via the link given.

https://makeacomplaint.dwp.gov.uk/

Misty117

Ok thanks ever so much

Misty117

Hi I'm waiting for someone to get back to me what happens with council tax I pay 60 a month will that increase don't want to be in debt with that too my ot is dealing with uc now I sent her link you sent thankyou it's so stressful given incorrect information from advisors that are supposed to help hopefully it will get sorted

Jimm_Alumni

Hi @Misty117, first of all welcome to the community 😊

Kimmy is right here. The agents at the UC call centre do not know the system in and out. It is a complex system so honestly if they could remember every little detail I would be quite amazed. However, the exemption for non-dependant deductions is definitely not limited just to those registered blind. They shouldn't be advising wrongly if they don't know the answer, and this is able to be looked up very easily, as Kimmy and myself have shown.

I would add a note on your journal that you receive the daily living component of PIP and so should be exempt from any deductions to do with non-dependants.

Please do update us with how you get on and what happens! We're here for any follow up questions you might have 🙂

Kimi87

Council Tax Reduction is decided on at a local level, so we would be unable to advise anything here, beyond contacting your local authority.

There are some cases where they treat UC differently to legacy benefits and this impacts on how much CT people have to pay. But most awards are the same.

Misty117

Reply from agent in Unfortuntely you are not entitled to the full housing element as Universal Credit clarify your child Carl as a non - dependant.A non dependant is anyone, aged 18 or over, who normally lives with you such as such as a son, daughter, relative or friend. A deduction from the allowable housing costs may be appropriate.Please find the attached letter. to your housing

I want to scream

After I copied and paste the government guidelines she's just sent this I will have to deal with it tommorow it's just making me ill I have a brain tumour and the headaches this is causing me is unbearable 5 hours on journal and phone to them today nothing achieved

I think my agent has shares in dwp

She talks to me like I'm nothing

Then sent me downloaded bill no apologie no explanation

JJust Said we will take monthly repayments for over payment of housing.

I sent what you sent me

She replied I'm unaware of this never heard of this before il be investigating regards..

There's no human emotions like an ai typing only it's not

I'm fed up il start again tommorow ..she's supposed to know isn't she she's my support agent bloody joke.

Don't care about me or my situation

Only reason I got reply is becsuse I rang 3times they only reply when advice line writes on journal..

The likes of me every day person you don't get a reply and that's a fact

I counted 22messages I sent to them

Only reply when advice line puts in complaint

It's not as straightforward as it seems I've got a bully jobs worth who couldn't care less about my situation she knows everything so I should shut up and accept it basicly no leeway atall

Tommorow I will put my complaint in thanks everyone for advice but I'm dealing with Satan for my agent

Kimi87

It's definitely best to go via the complaint link, as trying to use your Journal & call just isn't getting you anywhere.