Universal Credit

cool-dog

Hi,
I have just been made redundant thanks to the coronavirus. 
I am trying to make a claim for universal credit whilst I look for another job. 
My partner has to make a joint claim with me, however my partner is in receipt of PIP and ESA, and has been deemed not fit for work. However on going through the form it states that my partner needs to provide 'fit notes', and will have to attend an assessment. 
we ticked that my partner is in receipt of ESA and PIP, and had a nightmare with the assessment to get PIP, and had to go to tribunal to get it.
I am concerned that by me applying for Universal Credit it will put my partner through the hell of having another assessment.

Do the DWP take note that my partner is in receipt of PIP and ESA and not demand that another assessment is carried out (partner was reassessed for the move from DLA to PIP within the last 6 months).

I am only trying to claim Universal Credit to help with my lost income, and help with the rent.

I have been in employment since I left education and have never personally claimed benefits and have covered the rent out of my earnings. Am feeling very overwhelmed at the moment with it all and am looking for some advice please?

calcotti

PIP is completely separate and unaffected.

Your partners ESA status should be transferred over to UC but this can take a few weeks. If they are in the ESA Support Group they will be entitled to the LCWRA element in UC. The DWP can choose to reassess at anytime (but I think they’ve got other things on their mind at the moment).

If the ESA award contains any income based elements these will end. If it is contribution based (which seems likely from your circumstances) she will continue to receive her ESA fortnightly but the amount of UC you receive will be reduced by the ESA she receives.

UC should not request Fit Notes in these circumstances but invariably do because th3 systems are not effective at capturing the ESA information quickly.

if your partner gets the Daily Living part of PIP you should tell UC that you care for her (if she need some your help 35 hours/week). This means you will be entitled to the carer element of UC.

You should also apply to your local authority for Council Tax Reduction.

cool-dog

thank you.