Universal credit as a couple

brokenlogic18

Hi All

My partner, who I live with, was recently let go from her job. I was familiar with the old style JSA so advised her to apply for that but of course it has now been replaced by UC.

During her application process it became clear that we had to apply as a couple. After having filled out the extensive application we were both asked to attend separate sessions at the local job centre.

I am somewhat confused about all this, as I work full time (earn about £1,300 pcm net) so am not seeking any kind of benefits - it's just for her.

Can anyone who has been in the same situation offer any advice or any idea as to what to expect in the coming weeks? We are both inexperienced with the benefits system so any information is really appreciated

bobbyblade

from my own experience its a nightmare my wife is on long term disability and myself been off work for 6 months enquired as to whether i can claim anything basically i was told no as i get a small private pension, then my wife was told that she has to go onto u c which complicates things even more . To cap it off even though i cannot claim anything i got called in for a medical 12 week short of my 65th birthday , good luck think you will need every bit of advice from here

calcotti

brokenlogic18 wrote: »

Hi All

My partner, who I live with, was recently let go from her job. I was familiar with the old style JSA so advised her to apply for that but of course it has now been replaced by UC.

During her application process it became clear that we had to apply as a couple. After having filled out the extensive application we were both asked to attend separate sessions at the local job centre.

I am somewhat confused about all this, as I work full time (earn about £1,300 pcm net) so am not seeking any kind of benefits - it's just for her.

Can anyone who has been in the same situation offer any advice or any idea as to what to expect in the coming weeks? We are both inexperienced with the benefits system so any information is really appreciated

For any mean tested benefit you have to be assessed as a couple. This was true for old benefits too but the difference was that only one person applied and the other person was added to their claim whereas under UC you both have to apply and your claims are joined.

With your income you look unlikely, as a couple, to qualify for any UC depending on your full circumstances. The JobCentre should have told your wife that she can apply for 'new style' JSA. This is not means tested. She applies as an individual. Provided she satisfies the NI contribution conditions for the period April 2016 to March 2018 she will be entitled to receive £73.10/week (if she is aged 25 or over) for 26 weeks subject to carrying out work search activity.

More information here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-jobseekers-allowance

Typically the JobCentre has not provided all the appropriate information!

brokenlogic18

Thank you that's very helpful - I suspected my income would preclude getting any UC but it is good to know there is another option

poppy12345

See link for the number to ring for New Style JSA. (scroll to the bottom)
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-jobseekers-allowance

rjw273

You claim as a couple and your combined earnings are taken into account when calculating your award. It's a team effort!

Do a benefit calculation online to see what you might get, if anything.

I've just started a UC claim with my wife and so far it's been really easy.

poppy12345

rjw273 wrote: »

You claim as a couple and your combined earnings are taken into account when calculating your award. It's a team effort!

Do a benefit calculation online to see what you might get, if anything.

I've just started a UC claim with my wife and so far it's been really easy.

If you read the thread, then you'll know the OP has claimed the wrong benefit. It's New Style JSA then should have claimed.