UC - Going from Joint claim to Single. Help.

harriett888

Hello,


I have split up with my partner and need to let Universal Credit know.

I have read on other forums that the person who first reports the change will get 'kicked out' of the claim and need to make a new one while the other person, once reported on their side, will be left in the old claim, but as a single person.

My partner is not going to be claiming any UC from now but I am, and I can't afford to go through a new assessment period and wait 5-6 weeks.

What's my options?

Dineen33

Earn more if possible.

harriett888

I have a 6 month old baby. Not much I can do. Thanks for the amazing advice though.

calcotti

According to this what you have said may not be correct.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/what-youll-need-to-do-on-universal-credit/check-if-a-change-affects-your-universal-credit/
This suggests that your claim will change to a single claim and you will keep the same assessment period.
The changed UC calculation will apply from the start of the assessment period.

This House of Commons guidance is clear that neither claimant has to make a new claim when a couple separate
http://data.parliament.uk/DepositedPapers/Files/DEP2019-0980/86._New_claims_v12.0.pdf see top of page 5.

Regardless, you need to inform DWP and then provide whatever additional information they require.

ADDITIONAL NOTE: I have now identified that the rule you referred to used to apply to UC Live Service (when UC was initially being rolled out). When UC Full Service was rolled out the rule was changed. You do not need to make a new claim.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/793836/adma2.pdf#page5. Paragraph A2036 refers.
This is logical because you and your partner both made claims previously but were linked in order to work out couple entitlement. What happens now is simply that the link is removed.

harriett888

Fabolous, thanks a lot calcotti!

Would you happen to know what more information they'd need? I'm thinking if I have to get in touch with my landlord and ask for a new tenancy agreement with only my name etc.

calcotti

harriett888 wrote: »

Fabolous, thanks a lot calcotti!

Would you happen to know what more information they'd need? I'm thinking if I have to get in touch with my landlord and ask for a new tenancy agreement with only my name etc.

I don’t know. Getting the tenancy agreement changed will be sensible. In the meantime DWP may treat you as only liable for half the rent although they can manually amend your award by recording it as what is called an untidy tenancy - this is where someone named on a tenancy has moved out and cannot reasonably be expected to pay rent.

WhenIam64

Don't forget to ask for a single person discount on your Council Tax ASAP. No point in paying more if it can be sorted with a letter. Reference the "untidy" tenancy too.

NedS

harriett888 wrote: »

Fabolous, thanks a lot calcotti!

Would you happen to know what more information they'd need? I'm thinking if I have to get in touch with my landlord and ask for a new tenancy agreement with only my name etc.

Once you have declared the change to say you have separated from your partner, either you and/or your ex-partner will presumably need to report a change of address depending on who has moved out. A todo may appear in your account for you to confirm and change of address, and also to confirm who lives with you (children, any other adults) at the (new) address as this may also have changed. You will still need to complete these todo's in your todo list even if you believe nothing has changed - DWP will ask just to be sure as they represent common changes when a relationship ends.

Yes, a revised tenancy agreement with just your name on it is highly advised.

If in any doubt, phone the service centre or call into your local jobcentre and they will help advise you.

Best of luck.

harriett888

Thanks everybody.
I got an appointment on Tuesday next week to go in and explain my situation. I have spoken to my landlady and she's saying she cannot revise the tenancy agreement because of the deposit scheme and my ex-partner was the one who did get credit checked when we moved in so he is the main one, so to speak, on the tenancy.

What should I bring in with me to my meeting next week to make sure I dont have to go back again and again for more docs.

I have already also been in contact with the council so they know and theyve revised my council tax bill and only my name is on there.

Thanks everybody

calcotti

If your ex partner is willing and able to give you evidence that they are living elsewhere that would be helpful. If you have anything in writing from council confirming that they have accepted you are living alone that may also help.

See section 2.7 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-landlord-engagement-newsletters/february-2019-universal-credit-landlord-engagement-newsletter

harriett888

Thanks guys..


Next problem - wondering if anybody knows what I could possibly do in this predicament.

My ex was the recipient of Child Benefit for our daughter as alas was put as the "Main Carer" on our joint UC claim.

Now I had a message in my UC journal saying they cannot add my daughter to my claim as her dad was the main carer and adviced me to get a letter from my GP to confirm that I am her main carer.



Contacted the GP, they said sorry we cannot do these type of things.
I have already sent out the CB forms in my name and my ex partner has said he can confirm via written letter that I am the main carer.

My appointment at the job centre is tomorrow. Help! What can I do!

PS. She is 14 months old, so doesnt have any school letter etc.