JSA Overpayment, need serious help?! :(

pmlindyloo

misspickle wrote: »

The government changed the goalposts about what was classed as "partner" and "living together".
And they did not do it clearly in writing.
They just pulled the rug under thousands of people that didn't have a god damn clue what was going to haunt them.
Innocent people have been battered left right and center.
You show me where they changed the rules and advised everybody of those changes! Show me!

You can't.

No more than we can show you what they "told" people. In their homes. On their phones. But by god they did! They said it!

You didn't make it clear what you were talking about.

I thought you were referring to the offsetting rule.

So your beef is about when they changed the rules about living together as being classed as living together as man and wife.

No idea to be honest. Haven't been in the benefits 'game' that far back. Always has been if you live together as if you were living as man and wife then you have to make a joint claim.

nannytone_2

i didn't offer help because i don't know an awful lot about JSA.
i think you would agree that it wouldn't be 'nice' or helpful to give incorrect information?

i read the thread because it allows me to fill the gap in my knowledge and may enable me to advise others in the future.

all you appear to be doing is bleating because the rules changed at some point in the dim distant past that you were unaware of.
how iOS that offering help to the OP?

mad_spaniel

The rules regarding whether or not you should be regarded as living together is set out in a DWP manual. Details of criteria can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/378231/dmgch11.pdf

rogerblack

pmlindyloo wrote: »

The part about offsetting is 09340.

However, I also skimmed it so there may be penalties/fines as well.

Offsets are not relevant in this case.

In principle, they could be relevant if this had happened 2 months ago.
Claimant phones up says 'oops, I moved in December' DWP backdate dual JSA claim 2 month, and offset.
Overpayment is reduced by newly awarded JSA(couples).

JSA can be backdated only a limit of 3 months however, unless there has been an error by the DWP.
A new award of JSA(couples) cannot be made back to 2012.

If the claimant had indeed written - perhaps not in the right place - when informing the DWP that they were moving in that the person they were moving to was actually in a relationship with them - then yes - a backdated award, and offsetting may be relevant.

As to 'changes in living together' - well - no.
Basically if you're living together with someone in a relationship - married or not - the rules haven't changed for a _LONG_ time - you have to report it.
I'm not sure of the exact time, but it would surprise me if unmarried couples sharing a house have had to report this fact from the beginning of the welfare state. (or indeed before for local welfare provision)