Pension Lump Sum on UC. Query about Further Evidence Meeting.

KirstUK

Hi. I've had a one off payment that was a pension lump sum. It came to just over £6000, so I understand it will reduce my UC slightly. Some of it was used to pay my mum back as she lent us money last year to buy another car when ours broke down. Due to mine and my sons illnesses we are dependent on a car, but my mum did need that money back. I've been upfront with UC about what I wanted it for. The rest of the money I want to keep as savings for now but it will be less than 6000 now I've paid mum back. The money came through today so I advised UC on my journal and they want my husband to come in to the job centre for a further evidence meeting. Firstly, the pension lump sum is in my name and I also look after the family's finances so why do they need my husband to come in and not me (he is autistic and will find this very difficult)? Secondly, they haven't told me what evidence they need. Is it the pension statement or bank statements? Lastly, why do we need to go in person. It's very stressful and all my documents can easily be uploaded to them via the journal. Going in person means I'll have to find a way to get everything printed off and then carry reams of sensitive information around the city where the meeting is. I am more than happy to provide reasons and evidence, but do not understand the reason for these extra obstacles. Any advice would be welcome. Thank you.

OverlyAnxious

Hi,

Unfortunately this seems to be standard practice now. When savings go over £6k they often require claimants to attend the Job Centre with paperwork to prove where the money has come from.

If the money came in today, and you will have used enough to be back below £6k before the end of your Assessment Period, there was actually no need to report it at all. Sadly, it is too late now, you will have to complete the evidence appointment. They should only require bank statements, and possibly some photo ID as well. There is no harm in taking the pension statement just in case.

KirstUK

Thank you for that advice. Still unsure why it's my husband that has to attend the meeting. Very odd, but I will just have to go to the bank and get a load of statements printed off. How annoying that I didn't need to declare it though!