we need some advice regarding our benefits

bobnor66
bobnor66 Online Community Member Posts: 2 Listener
in Universal Credit (UC)

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

Comments

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 6,914 Championing
    edited September 16

    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
    Lauren29 Online Community Member Posts: 146 Empowering

    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
    bobnor66 Online Community Member Posts: 2 Listener

    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

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