Universal Credit joint to single claim

WinstonTown

Hiya! Just need some reassurance that I am doing this the correct way round 🙈
Ex and I are living separately and I need to update UC to switch from joint to single claim. I followed the steps on the UC site but when I select “this has changed” for the living arrangements, it takes my son off - who will be still living with me. 

Current circumstances are:
Joint HA tenancy - forms completed to switch to just me. He’s moved out already. Awaiting meeting with HA.
Ex listed as main carer for son - currently claiming carer’s allowance for him. I earn toO much to claim instead.

Whether I state it’s changed or it’s not changed, the details are then incorrect in one respect or another 🙄

Should I wait until I have confirmed single tenancy with the HA before informing UC and Council Tax? Or is it ok to start changing the UC claim now?

Thanks in advance, one confused person 😬

peteuk

I’m no expert, but if your ex is listed as main carer, as he has moved out its not a large leap to assume your son has moved out to (although I know this not to be the case) a computer wont.   

If son is living with you then you are his main carer and as you earn too much I believe you may loose your CA.  This may be different as your now a single claim.  (Hopefully someone with more knowledge will correct this)

I would (asa he as moved out) start informing them of the change and then confirm this once off the tenancy. 

Alice_Holt

peteuk said:

I’m no expert, 

.....If son is living with you then you are his main carer and as you earn too much I believe you may loose your CA.  This may be different as your now a single claim.  (Hopefully someone with more knowledge will correct this)

     OP has stated she is not receiving CA.

     It is quite possible to care for an individual for 35 hrs (and so receive CA), without being the main carer. 




    OP -  with UC the claim should include a UC carers element (and any CA received deducted in full). The carers element of UC  does not have the same earnings restrictions as CA.

https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-guides/Universal-Credit/Additional-Elements-of-Universal-Credit

It is possible that either you or your ex (assuming he will also be making a single UC claim), could claim the carers element (as long as you both provide the necessary 35 hrs of care).
It may be worth checking on a benefit calculator as to whether it is more advantageous for you or your ex to claim (also bear in mind the claimant commitment consequences).


There are forumites with better knowledge of the UC systems who will be able to help you re informing UC of the change on your journal.   

WinstonTown

Thank you both! I did think I should probably write something in the journal as well as, as I said above, neither option is technically correct! I’m wondering if it’s worth risking the phone system 😂