Re cost of living payment update

tifo

Spoonie_Turtle said:

It happens once a year, 13 4-weekly payments.

I thought might be 2 times. You're right, 13 x 4 weeks is 52 weeks.

Unfortunately it happened in the wrong month  this year ....

kasia3992

tifo said:

kasia3992 said:

So even if I have been awarded from 7th of May so within the qualifying period I'm still not eligible? .... I'm single parent , working part time and just because I'm getting paid every four weeks makes me loose out.

It seems your wage got counted twice in the assessment period because you get paid every 4 weeks. I've read on here somewhere that UC may be able to do something for you, however i can't recall what it was. You should talk to them.

The rules are they count all income in the monthly assessment period but there may be exceptions for your situation as lots of other people will be in the same position and hence losing out.

I was trying to speak to an agent but they seem to be very upset and not very kind as soon as I start to mention "cost of leaving payment ". They stick by the rules and regulations from government which seems very robotic and not fair. People are not treated equally at all. I will probably write an email to my local MP and see what will happen. It's not even about the money at this point but about the rules and common sense.

kasia3992

tifo said:

Spoonie_Turtle said:

It happens once a year, 13 4-weekly payments.

I thought might be 2 times. You're right, 13 x 4 weeks is 52 weeks.

Unfortunately it happened in the wrong month  this year ....

Exactly, so not only did I get £0 UC in May but as well missed out on the payment from the government. 
My whole point is that if person A gets for example £9000 a year but is paid monthly and gets the help and I get £9000 but I'm not eligible because our wages are paid differently. It doesn't mean I have more money and that I'm not struggling.

NedS

kasia3992 said:

tifo said:

kasia3992 said:

So even if I have been awarded from 7th of May so within the qualifying period I'm still not eligible? .... I'm single parent , working part time and just because I'm getting paid every four weeks makes me loose out.

It seems your wage got counted twice in the assessment period because you get paid every 4 weeks. I've read on here somewhere that UC may be able to do something for you, however i can't recall what it was. You should talk to them.

The rules are they count all income in the monthly assessment period but there may be exceptions for your situation as lots of other people will be in the same position and hence losing out.

I was trying to speak to an agent but they seem to be very upset and not very kind as soon as I start to mention "cost of leaving payment ". They stick by the rules and regulations from government which seems very robotic and not fair. People are not treated equally at all. I will probably write an email to my local MP and see what will happen. It's not even about the money at this point but about the rules and common sense.

I understand that you may be upset, but what would you rather they do - ignore the rules and make it up as they go along?

Contrary to your statement about not being treated equally, by following the rules they have ensured that everyone is treated equally and fairly - those who are entitled to the payment will receive it, and those who are not entitled to the payment do not receive it. If they were to make an exception for you, then that would be to treat you unequally to everyone else who did not receive the payment because they were not entitled to it.

tifo

kasia3992 said:

 It's not even about the money at this point but about the rules and common sense.

Unfortunately we all lose or win at some point, there are winners and losers in all rules.

kasia3992

NedS said:

kasia3992 said:

tifo said:

kasia3992 said:

So even if I have been awarded from 7th of May so within the qualifying period I'm still not eligible? .... I'm single parent , working part time and just because I'm getting paid every four weeks makes me loose out.

It seems your wage got counted twice in the assessment period because you get paid every 4 weeks. I've read on here somewhere that UC may be able to do something for you, however i can't recall what it was. You should talk to them.

The rules are they count all income in the monthly assessment period but there may be exceptions for your situation as lots of other people will be in the same position and hence losing out.

I was trying to speak to an agent but they seem to be very upset and not very kind as soon as I start to mention "cost of leaving payment ". They stick by the rules and regulations from government which seems very robotic and not fair. People are not treated equally at all. I will probably write an email to my local MP and see what will happen. It's not even about the money at this point but about the rules and common sense.

I understand that you may be upset, but what would you rather they do - ignore the rules and make it up as they go along?

Contrary to your statement about not being treated equally, by following the rules they have ensured that everyone is treated equally and fairly - those who are entitled to the payment will receive it, and those who are not entitled to the payment do not receive it. If they were to make an exception for you, then that would be to treat you unequally to everyone else who did not receive the payment because they were not entitled to it.

How is that treating the people fairly and equally? They should take to consideration different circumstances. I think it's quite obvious that if two people got paid exactly the same amount of money per year they both should be eligible for help. The rules should be changed or adjusted. I'm sure every judge would admit it. 

poppy12345

tifo said:

Can kasia3992 not say that "both payments had to be taken into account in the one assessment period was so irrational as to be unlawful"? I know it's for monthly payments but the same principal can apply  ....

No because the law applies to those paid monthly if they are paid twice during an AP.

poppy12345

kasia3992 said

How is that treating the people fairly and equally? They should take to consideration different circumstances. I think it's quite obvious that if two people got paid exactly the same amount of money per year they both should be eligible for help. The rules should be changed or adjusted. I'm sure every judge would admit it. 

UC entitlement has nothing to do with yearly income. It's based on earnings received during your AP. I realise you're angry but the rules are the law set by the Government and there's nothing you can do.

It was the same during the pandemic with the help the Government gave, some lost out, while others qualified. There will always be winners and losers.

Spoonie_Turtle

kasia3992 said:

tifo said:

kasia3992 said:

So even if I have been awarded from 7th of May so within the qualifying period I'm still not eligible? .... I'm single parent , working part time and just because I'm getting paid every four weeks makes me loose out.

It seems your wage got counted twice in the assessment period because you get paid every 4 weeks. I've read on here somewhere that UC may be able to do something for you, however i can't recall what it was. You should talk to them.

The rules are they count all income in the monthly assessment period but there may be exceptions for your situation as lots of other people will be in the same position and hence losing out.

I was trying to speak to an agent but they seem to be very upset and not very kind as soon as I start to mention "cost of leaving payment ". They stick by the rules and regulations from government which seems very robotic and not fair. People are not treated equally at all. I will probably write an email to my local MP and see what will happen. It's not even about the money at this point but about the rules and common sense.

They've probably had hundreds of calls from distressed/angry people who aren't eligible and can't afford to let people's legitimate distress get to them.  They have no choice but to stick to the rules and regulations - they are not the ones administering it and even if they were, there is no room for discretion.  There are no exceptions, absolutely nothing they can do.


I take your point about treating everyone fairly - treating everyone equally is not always fair - but as already explained, the rules are so blunt and simple in order to help the maximum number of people quickly and with the minimum risk of mistakes.  Unfortunately many people did miss out; a small percentage but still a fair number of people.  Please do take it up with your MP, as there's nothing else you can do.

kristen74

Right I’ve been contacted and told I’m not entitled to the col payment with me being on both income related and contribution esa as I receive more of the contribution esa ie if was just income I would weekly only receive £30 plus but my contribution amount is £162.50 weekly and they said it’s unfortunate but it’s the government’s ruling. I been told be possible good idea inquiring about universal credit where I’d get extra support.