Universal credit

kathynewbie09

Sorry in advance if this has been asked in the past.

My husband and I are claiming universal credit because my income is low but because universal credit keep saying that we're not entitled to anything my husband is having to work overtime.

I was wondering if it is possible to cancel our claim as a couple and claim universal credit just for myself since I am only earning £163 a week and I am really struggling to pay my bills (I don't see why his income should be counted as mine as its not my money since he earnt it and it goes onto his bills and I refuse to ask him for money as its not his job to support me)

I know most people will say that he should support me but that's not how it should be.

I am disabled but when I claimed PIP they lied through their teeth about what I could and couldn't do so I got refused PIP. I have made a new claim as I have developed another health condition so I am waiting to hear back about that.

I know that I am probably being unreasonable in wanting to make a claim on my own but my mental health is suffering because of the stress of not making ends meet and the stress is making my personal health degrade too.

Any help would be appreciated. I am just fed up of how the system works at the moment.

poppy12345

Unfortunately, because UC is a means tested benefit you can't claim as a single person because you're living with your husband, you have no option to claim as a couple. I understand what you're saying about having your own bills to pay etc but as a couple then you are supposed to support each other. The "system" has always been this way for means tested benefits.

Regarding your PIP claim. Did you request a Mandatory Reconsideration then take it to Tribunal for the last decision? If you didn't was there any reason why?

PIP isn't about any conditions or diagnosis, it's how those conditions affect your ability to carry out daily activity based on the PIP descriptors. Although people do claim PIP and work, if working contradicts the reasons why you're claiming PIP then it could go against you.

If the worst happens again this time and you still think you qualify based on the descriptors i'd advise you to request the MR then Tribunal, if needed because to constantly reapply isn't always the best decision. This may help understand PIP a little more.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria

Alice_Holt

What date was the decision letter refusing your first PIP award?

Which PIP descriptors can't you do reliably and on the majority of days?
https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip/pip-points-system

Has you condition worsened between your first and second PIP claim?  

Rubyroobs

You have to claim Uc as a couple because that's what you are and both your wages will count. If you are awarded PIP then you your husband would be able to claim carers element on UC if he cares for you for 35 hours a week and if you earn less than 16 x nmw and your illness or disability affect your ability to work then you could hand in sick notes to Uc and wait to be assessed for work capability. If awarded LCW or LCWRA then this may make you become eligible for some UC despite two wages. If you are awarded PIP you could start the work capability process however many hours you work.
In a nutshell - being awarded PIP and therefore being able to claim the carers element and/ or the LCW or LCWRA may make you eligible in the future even though you currently aren't. Or even just being awarded LCW or LCWRA could make you eligible due to the work allowance . 

oh_really

kathynewbie09 said:

I know most people will say that he should support me but that's not how it should be.

Er, marriage is a partnership (of equals), you support each other.

calcotti

oh_really said:

kathynewbie09 said:

I know most people will say that he should support me but that's not how it should be.

Er, marriage is a partnership (of equals), you support each other.

Indeed, traditionally “for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death”.

marcarm

It IS his job to support you, that is what being married means. 
UC will take his income into account as it is HOUSEHOLD income that it is assessed against.