WTC to UC by change of circumstance - WARNING

Smithy2018

Note. I have Muscular Dystrophy, an untreatable muscle deteriorating condition and mobilise using an electric wheelchair.

Back in August 2017 I had to report a change of circumstance to Working Tax Credits due to a relationship breakup and moving to a different premises. They said as Universal Credit was now available in my area I could not claim WTC any more and my payments would cease. I would have to apply for UC.

I had the usual 6 week wait for the housing benefit element of UC, but I had to reapply from scratch for the Limited Work Capability element (replacement to WTC). It took till early January to confirm I did still have a limited work capability and would receive my first payment on 24 January, over 4 months since applying.

Worse, I was told as I was on WTC previously I would not be entitled to any back payments therefore I lost over £1,500 in payments I would have received from WTC. And for an added kick in the teeth WTC said I'd had an over payment, which I disputed to no eftect.

It appears if you are on ESA you are eligible to back dated payments but not on WTC. So in other words if your "looking for work" your ok but if you're in work your screwed.

This is NOT FAIR, nothing had changed in my employment or my disability so what the heck does a change in personal circumstances have to do with my capacity for work benefit?? The government say things like you will be better off working and no one will be worse off moving to UC, yet they implement this absurd rule!!

Wizardy18

That's, unfortunately, UC for you.
They say no one already claiming will be worse off, but to start monthly payments are terrible for budget planning and specially for people who can't control spending.

Ames

It's an absolutely ridiculous system. Sadly not many people are aware of it and it's not an aspect that's been picked up by the people campaigning against UC.

bigbill

Ames wrote: »

It's an absolutely ridiculous system. Sadly not many people are aware of it and it's not an aspect that's been picked up by the people campaigning against UC.

Disagree those working on the front line are well aware of the many problems and are trying their best to change and sort it out, but UC is about saving money nothing else, the above would seem a good test case here http://www.cpag.org.uk/test-case-referrals

The WCA or work allowance addition does not start to be paid for 3 months from when UC was first claimed hence the problem here, if on previous benefits and had DLA or PIP WTC would have been due right away.

Ames

bigbill wrote: »

Disagree those working on the front line are well aware of the many problems and are trying their best to change and sort it out, but UC is about saving money nothing else, the above would seem a good test case here http://www.cpag.org.uk/test-case-referrals

The WCA or work allowance addition does not start to be paid for 3 months from when UC was first claimed hence the problem here, if on previous benefits and had DLA or PIP WTC would have been due right away.

I was thinking more of the MPs and journalists. I watched a big parliament debate on it a few months ago and don't recall them mentioning the new tax credit/capability for work system.

I am surprised that it hasn't been in the news - all the benefit changes have been justified by the shirkers/strivers rhetoric so disabled strivers being penalised should be an open goal for the press.

I didn't know about the three month wait, that's terrible. It seems that every new thing I hear about UC takes it to new depths.

Smithy2018

I just don't understand why I had to wait 3 months when changing over from WTC to UC when nothing had changed in my working life or my disability (I get full DLA mobility and care).

Why does someone out of work on ESA get UC backdated and someone working receiving WTC doesn't?

Its just unfair!!!

bigbill

Give her a call she is interested in people losing out when moving to UC v Previous benefits, you seem an ideal candidate?

Kathleen Mullin of BBC!!!8217;s Panorama programme is asking for help with the following -

BBC Panorama is interested in speaking to people about their experience with the universal credit system. If you would like to speak to the research team please call 07714 956934.

Smithy2018

Tried phoning that number but just goes to voicemail, have left a message so hope its the right number.

Danday

The intention behind UC despite all of the positive spin was to cut back on the welfare budget as they have done with DLA to PIP.
Now if you accept that fact it will be of no surprise to anyone that you will be worse off one way or another.

There are many little changes that have not seen the light of day in the press. Take for instance someone who receives a pension or annuity and claims a means tested benefit. You would expect that the annual review actually takes into account the increases to those sources of income. Or maybe the claimant notifies the DWP of an increase. Yet the DWP have it that they will increase ALL pensions and annuities income by 3% this year even if the actual increase is below that figure. Thus the means tested award will be made using assuming incomes and not actual.