Universal Credit Cancel claim

Buzybuzz

Hi guys,
So my husband unfortunately fell redundant and was on JSA but tricked into applying for UC in May. During that time I was studying full time for my degree. However we had to apply for a joint couple UC because otherwise we would not afford rent or anything on just his claim (we have a child under 18). Now it's been two months with UC, I fell seriously ill for a month. Now I'm better I would like to go back to uni in September, but I do not want to deal with Universal Credit and the tedious rules about finding a job. I would take out a maintenance loan which UC would reduce from my claim anyway, so I see no point on being on the pointless UC. Could I cancel my claim and my husband carry on as a single claim and my daughter. I know what will end (free dental care, ni credits etc), but I honestly cannot deal with UC when I will get money from maintenance. What would be the best way to cancel my claim and when should I do it (the next installment for UC money is 5 September), if I cancel after that would I have to repay any money they paid me.

11krage

Hello. Unfortunately UC takes the circumstances of the household into account, so if you're together as a couple you need to claim as a couple.


If you go back to studying full time you would not be expected to work under UC, but would need to provide proof of all the student income you receive, and some (but usually not all) of this will be deducted from your claim.


So you wouldn't really be any worse off money wise if you did that, as UC only takes into account the student income you'd be receiving.

calcotti

Buzybuzz wrote: »

Hi guys,
So my husband unfortunately fell redundant and was on JSA but tricked into applying for UC in May.

Not sure what you mean by tricked into applying for a UC. If he was on new style JSA it is only payable for a maximum of 6 months so after this would have to claim UC if he wanted to continue to receive benefit. If he wanted help with rent, for new claims this is only available through UC as it has replaced Housing Benefit.

As 11krage says a claim for UC must be a joint claim. Even on legacy mean tested benefits household circumstances would have been taken into account.