Benefits and Moving in with partner

Finn72

Hello,

I am looking for advice. In 2017 I had to leave work due to illness and by the end of the year, I applied for universal credit and this was granted. I have a long term illness and in 2018, was assessed, not fit for work. I was due, earlier this year to have another assessment, but Covid has put paid to that. Also, my PIP appeal claim appears to be in Limbo

Over the summer, it was decided that I would move in with my girlfriend who works in the nursing profession. We have now been told we have a house, which we will be renting. The tenancy agreement is in both our names, but for the time being, I am not making any payments toward the house at this time.

My query is, will my universal credit claim be stopped when we finally move in together? any advice is very much appreciated.

Galloglass

The language used indicates a partnership so the UC claim will change to a joint claim based on the household income.

You might want to use a benefits calculator like Turn2Us and input your details, your partner's details, the rent and any additional amounts for children etc.

Don't forget the non-UC benefits like Council Tax Reduction too.

calcotti

It depends on your joint income. When you move in you will have to report a change of circumstances to UC. You can then either close your claim or your girlfriend will have to claim UC too and you will then be assessed as a couple. You will have a couple allowance plus help with rent (plus the LCWRA element if that is applicable - you don't say whether you are LCW or LCWRA) minus a deduction of 63% of her wages.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-and-couples-an-introduction/universal-credit-further-information-for-couples
Joint savings will also be taken into account.

KatrinaWaves

If her income is high enough, then it is possible it may be stopped, as UC is income based. 

Finn72

KatrinaWaves said:

If her income is high enough, then it is possible it may be stopped, as UC is income based. 

 Her income is relatively high. In addition, we do plan to get married at some point.

KatrinaWaves

Finn72 said:

KatrinaWaves said:

If her income is high enough, then it is possible it may be stopped, as UC is income based. 

 Her income is relatively high. In addition, we do plan to get married at some point.

If her income is high enough (check the benefits calculators) then you may be entitled to nothing and she will have to 'pay your way'

Marriage doesnt make a difference.

poppy12345

Finn72 said:

KatrinaWaves said:

If her income is high enough, then it is possible it may be stopped, as UC is income based. 

 Her income is relatively high. In addition, we do plan to get married at some point.

Put both of your details into this https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator/Intro/Home?cid=7a193869-b3dd-4180-91e4-2d024f2d26b4

Finn72

If I am entitled to nothing, what happens to my universal credit account? I am poorly, with little chance to recovery at this time. National Insurance, etc. I am in a bit of a panic now.

KatrinaWaves

Finn72 said:

If I am entitled to nothing, what happens to my universal credit account? I am poorly, with little chance to recovery at this time. National Insurance, etc. I am in a bit of a panic now.

It will close if the income is too high.

I am not sure if there is a way for you to continue getting NI contribs paid for your state pension. Is that what you are panicking about, your pension?

Finn72

KatrinaWaves said:

Finn72 said:

If I am entitled to nothing, what happens to my universal credit account? I am poorly, with little chance to recovery at this time. National Insurance, etc. I am in a bit of a panic now.

It will close if the income is too high.

I am not sure if there is a way for you to continue getting NI contribs paid for your state pension. Is that what you are panicking about, your pension?

  Yes....it seems I am stepping into unchartered waters.

calcotti

KatrinaWaves said:
I am not sure if there is a way for you to continue getting NI contribs paid for your state pension. Is that what you are panicking about, your pension?

If OP has been found to have Limited Capability for Work they are entitled to receive NI credits on those grounds. They would ned to ask DWP how to arrange this - I don't know how it works with UC.
https://www.gov.uk/national-insurance-credits/eligibility