we need some advice regarding our benefits

bobnor66

Hi my name is Bob my wife is Lilly

I was born on 22/04/1961 (I'm 64) , Lilly was born on 30/03/1959

we were both receiving ESA until 30/03/25

We both receive PIP (£603.80) monthly, each)

Lilly was 66 on that day so became a pensioner

both our ESA on that day stopped (we were not informed)

I thought my ESA would continue and Lilly would start receiving state pension

Our housing benefit stopped (we didn't know)

We were told by our housing in June (Plus Dane) that we would be evicted if we didn't pat 2 months rent for April/May

we paid this out of our savings

I had to claim Universal Credit and was told to get fit notes to say I'm not able to work

We have to pay our rent £115.83 each week from my wife's pension because U/C say her pension is classed as an income because we are on PIP and whatever I am entitled to is wiped out by her pension

Is this correct?

We have been given different advice from various places who all seem to think its not right but U/C say that I'm not entitled to anything

2 weeks ago they sent me an unfit to work form I have sent this off to them last week

Since Lilly became a pensioner I have received £0 from U/C apart from a loan I asked them for at the beginning and we have been paying our rent each week to Plus Dane

Any advice would be really appreciated thanks

Bob and Lilly

Kimi87

It's possible the ESA was in her name, and you were on her claim as her partner. When she reached pension age the whole claim will have ended.

It's correct that her pension is deducted in full from your joint UC award (you are known as a mixed age couple). Pensions are classed as income.

At the moment you are only entitled to Standard Allowance and Housing Element. Her pension deduction is reducing your award to zero yes?

If you are awarded LCW no extra money is payable, you can appeal for LCWRA if you feel you qualify.

https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/universal-credit-uc/uc-faq/limited-capability-for-work-related-activity

If you are awarded LCWRA, your UC award before deductions will increase by £423.27.

Her pension will continue to be deducted in full.

An LCWRA award still doesn't guarantee entitlement to UC, have you put various scenarios into a benefits calculator?

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

https://advicefinder.turn2us.org.uk/

Lauren29

Can you confirm how your Universal Credit payment is broken down? How much does your wife receive in her State Pension? How many bedrooms do you have in your property?

bobnor66

Thanks for your help..yes we've tried benefit calculators etc seems to be the same result

We were ok on ESA then all of a sudden we were a lot worse off

I think that the abruptness and lack of empathy from U/C people has shaken us a little

Thanks so much we appreciate your advice

Bob and Lilly

bobnor66

{image removed - personal information}

Kimi87

If you are awarded LCWRA then your entitlement before deductions increases by £423.27.

Based on the above statement it would leave some Universal Credit in payment, plus the advance deduction will end when it's paid off.

Albus_Scope

Heya @bobnor66 a warm welcome to the community.

I don't want to get in the way of the support you're receiving from our fabulous regulars, I just wanted to let you know I've had to remove your screenshot as it contained your full name, which we don't allow. Just trying to keep everyone safe and anonymous, I hope that's ok. 😊

bobnor66

Your payment this month was£0

This was paid on 25 June 2025

What you're entitled to

Standard allowance

£628.10

You get a standard amount each month. You said you're in a couple

Housing

£431.66

You said per month the total rent for your property is £501.93.

You will have to pay your housing costs to your landlord.

Monthly, we can pay you £431.66 towards your housing costs. We cannot pay the full amount you told us about because:

based on your household, we have decided you have 1 spare bedroom

-£70.27

Total entitlement before deductions

£1,059.76

What we take off (deductions)

Other benefits

We take money off your payment

As this is an average of other benefits that you're continuing to claim

my wife

State Pension minus‑ £997.75

Money, savings and investments

minus‑ £0.00

We have taken £0.00 off your Universal Credit payment because you have money, savings and investments of £45.93.

You must tell us if this changes so that we can pay you the correct amount on time.

The first £6,000 of your money, savings and investments does not affect your payment. If you have over £6,000 up to £16,000, every £250 reduces your Universal Credit by £4.35. For any remaining amount that is not a complete £250, a further £4.35 is also deducted.

Advance Payments

minus‑ £62.01

We take £62.01 off your payment to pay back your advances.

Total deductions

minus‑ £1,059.76

(reply to Lauren29)