Universal Credit/pension for mixed age couples

georgieo4

We currently receive between us, contribution based ESA, PIP and carer's allowance. We receive council tax support. There is no other income. 

I see now that the advice isn't right, even though the person I spoke to checked with his supervisor, and said it was correct. It was a good thing I found this forum and checked! 

So, with the maximum you can receive on uc, that includes all 3 elements, it's clear from the calculations, calcotti, and that both you and poppy12345 have said - there will be nil entitlement. I did tell citizens advice, and to be fair, they did ask me, that I receive carer's allowance. We will also be in a better position in January, than we are now, so it's understandable that with the maximum allowed, there is no point in making a UC claim. Thank you all for taking the time and trouble to answer my questions. 

All we have to do next January is to inform council tax of the change so they can re-calculate the bill. 

Thanks very much again, it is much appreciated. 

calcotti

That’s saved a lot of faffing about then!

georgieo4

I forgot to say that I agree that the way the calculation advice in the email was set out was confusing, especially with the NI parts.  Clearly that wasn't necessary, as they knew I was in England.

It all got very confusing, rather than it being more straightforward, which is obviously why we ask for advice. 

It will save a lot of faff, and worry! 

Naturally the ESA comes to an end when my husband retires. The lcwra part of it worried me, as I'd read that a smooth transition from  ESA to UC was the best way to go. It's a silly question, but losing that through the ESA stopping won't affect PIP will it? 

Yes calcotti - it will save a lot of faff and worry! 

calcotti

georgieo4 said:

Naturally the ESA comes to an end when my husband retires. The lcwra part of it worried me, as I'd read that a smooth transition from  ESA to UC was the best way to go. It's a silly question, but losing that through the ESA stopping won't affect PIP will it? 

No, PIP and LCWRA are separate. The one does not affect the other. The importance of claiming UC before the ESA ends is to preserve the LCWRA element in the UC calculation but this is of no relevance if, as in your case, there will be no UC entitlement even with LCWRA included.

georgieo4

I see, thank you for your help and advice, it is much appreciated.