Mixed age transitional protection to UC or Pension Credit ?

laddy1984

I receive working tax credits but when this ends and transitional protection applies will I be eligible  for UC or Pension Credit ? I am age 66 and self employed with a non-working partner age 63. Pension credit is not payable unless both of us are over 66 and UC rules state it's not payable as I am over the pensionable age.

sammyjammy

You will need to claim UC, if you chose too, you can claim it if you link your claim to your younger partner.

laddy1984

sammyjammy said:

You will need to claim UC, if you chose too, you can claim it if you link your claim to your younger partner.

Will I be able to claim UC for myself only instead of a joint claim which would require my wife to seek work  ?

sammyjammy

no you have to claim as a couple

poppy12345

laddy1984 said:

UC rules state it's not payable as I am over the pensionable age.

Thats not correct. As a mixed aged couple you will be able to claim with your partner. Your state pension will be deducted in full from any UC entitlement. 

laddy1984

I suppose the transitional protection is only financial related and will not allow for the more lenient tax credits situation to continue where a partner under pensionable age is not required to seek employment.

Spoonie_Turtle

laddy1984 said:

I suppose the transitional protection is only financial related and will not allow for the more lenient tax credits situation to continue where a partner under pensionable age is not required to seek employment.

That's exactly it, yes.