Hello, will I have to start a new UC claim when joining as a couple?

nogg22

Hi all

Here to see if my worries can be answered and soak up any knowledge from other posters .

Mary_Scope

Hi @nogg22 and a warm welcome to the community!

What worries do you have? We're a friendly bunch here on the community and we will do our best to support you and answer any questions you have😊

Rosie_Scope

Welcome @nogg22 ☺️ hope you'll enjoy your time here

nogg22

Thank you that’s so kind .

I’ve posted on the forum it’s regarding my change of circumstance and moving to new area .

Will I have to start New claim when changing to a couples claim and moving area I’ve had a reply saying about link code I’m worried as been in aupport / LWRCA group and so worried will have to go through all the hoops again .

I’m not sure my mental health can cope with it , it was traumatic the first time round writing down information that trigger bad thoughts .

Kimi87

It won't be a brand new claim, you will link your existing claim to your partners new claim and any UC entitlement will be based on your joint circumstances as a couple living together.

If as a couple you are entitled to UC, your LCWRA award will remain in place.

Because of your LCWRA your partner can earn £411 before the standard deduction is made on their wages, 0.55 for every £1 earned.

nogg22

is that £411 a month kimi … ?

Kimi87

Yes it's called the work allowance, each month your partner can earn £411 before the standard deduction is made.

nogg22

Then the deduction comes off my uc? how does help with the rent work have never claimed rent help .

Kimi87

You will have a joint couples claim so what UC will do is add up all the elements you are entitled to, so

Standard Allowance +

Housing Element +

LCWRA

Then they will deduct your partners earnings (over £411) at a rate of £0.55 for every £1.

To claim Housing Element once your claims are linked, one of you reports the change in your housing costs.

Housing Element might not cover the whole rent, will you be renting privately or in social housing?

Try a benefits calculator to estimate joint entitlement, filling it in as if you were already living together.

https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators

nogg22

private rental 👍

nogg22

Thank you btw for helping .

Kimi87

For private rental it's unlikely your whole rent will be paid.

You can see the maximum amount payable on this link:

https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/

nogg22

When working out nett pay is pension taken off as with Tax and national insurance.

grateful for all the replies thank you 🙏

nogg22

sorry to post again .

With this being a new area i will be moving too, will it be as explained earlier .. not a new claim just my existing one .😌

charl1234

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1027438#Comment_1027438

If uc be same

nogg22

As in new council area sharl1234

🙂

Kimi87

You keep your existing claim.

Partner makes a new claim.

They are then joined together and become a couples claim.

nogg22

Hi all

When working out earnings is it nett pay please after tax /Ni etc