Confusion

Question

My appointee (father) gut confused and angry because he thinks my Universal Credit claim will impact on his claim, awards and benefits. I'm confused too because in 2022, an Universal Credit agent told my father I cannot claim UC as I live with my parents and he was in full time job, then. Now, he's not in full time job. Now, I'm 28 and recently completed my masters. Will the UC claim still affect on my father?

Kimi87 · Accepted Answer

The Universal Credit agent was incorrect.

Even though you live together, a parent & adult child are considered separate households for UC purposes. His work status was and is still irrelevant. Your claim will not effect his Universal Credit. Your PIP prevents any changes to his UC Housing Element (non dependant deduction).

He should inform your local council that you've claimed UC, as it might impact on the overall household Council Tax Reduction award.

CTR is decided on at a local level and each local authority has different rules for this meaning it's very hard to advise on individual cases from here.

Kimi87 · Accepted Answer

I'd suggest talking to the Citizens Advice Help to Claim service or another trained benefits adviser (NOT the DWP!)

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

I think you'd benefit from independent financial and benefits advice away from your father.

I claimed UC while living with my mother on UC, because I didn't get PIP her Housing Element was impacted.

But because you do get PIP, your father's Housing Element won't be impacted nor any other aspect of his UC claim.

Living in the same household you are at your age entitled to Universal Credit in your own right.

Emilee · Accepted Answer

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1158474#Comment_1158474

They can not be claiming it for you as well as you are an adult. The only way this can be correct is if they are already claiming UC on your behalf as your appointee. Are you certain that is not the case?

You may be 'on their claim' as someone who lives in the property (this relates only to their housing element, and would not be impacted by you claiming UC). But they would not be receiving any money for you unless they already have a claim for you for UC on your behalf as your appointee, without you being aware.

SaraC_Scope · Accepted Answer

Here is some information on UC and housing which might be helpful.

https://www.turn2us.org.uk/get-support/information-for-your-situation/universal-credit-uc-housing-costs-element/universal-credit-uc-what-if-i-have-another-adult-living-with-me