Spousal maintenance and UC

EmmaPemma

I got my statement this morning. (I was sent the transition letter in March). Because I receive spousal maintenance they’ve calculated I get nothing. My previous 2 weekly payment was £318.10. Now it’s £284.14 😩😭. I just feel powerless.

I posted this on my journal to them. See photo.

Kimi87

I note from a previous thread you used to get both Income Related & Contributions Based ESA.

Please read through this thread for an explanation of what happens when you migrate to UC (click on the purple text View Post)

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/130268/ive-already-moved-to-universal-credit-but-ive-received-a-letter-from-esa

New Style ESA is deducted in full from your UC award.

Spousal maintenance is also deducted in full.

Have both these deductions left you with a zero award?

TP is added if UC (before deductions) entitlement is lower than legacy benefits.

As your previous ESA was £159.05 a week, you are not entitled to Transitional Protection because under the legacy benefits system you were worse off.

ESA monthly: £689.21

UC equivalent monthly: £809.64

It is your Spousal Maintenance (income outside of the benefit system) that has reduced your UC to zero.

If you don't get any UC then there will be no entitlement to help with NHS health costs, you would need to apply through the NHS Low Income Scheme.

https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-low-income-scheme

EmmaPemma

hi @Kimi87 thanks for explaining all this. And thanks for the link to nhs low income scheme.

yes I have been left with a zero award.

EmmaPemma

hi @Kimi87

I’ve just received this notification from UC. They’ve now recalculated. I just don’t understand their processes but apparently I’m now due £90. They’d missed out tp on their previous calculation.

Kimi87

That's great news, I'm so glad they've sorted it out for you.

TP relies on UC receiving multiple pieces of information from multiple places so it can be missing from the first statement, if the calculation hasn't been done in time.

When I gave my advice I wasn't aware you got anything other than the ESA amount you mentioned.

Normally when someone gets only ESA at the rate you did, being on UC means they are better off so no TP.

EmmaPemma

no need to apologise Kimi. As I’ve said I just don’t understand their processes or the system. I’m still very confused. The heartache and worry they can cause I feel is unforgivable. I’ve known people to say that the job centre can be intentionally cruel. Fortunately I’ve never had to experience this.

Biblioklept

Is £750 the monthly spousal maintenance? ❤️

Don't forget you're still getting your contribution new style ESA as well!