Tax Credits and UC Migration advice needed

Durgalovesarms

I'm looking for some advice regarding my UC migration notice. 

My twin children are age 18 years soon to be 19 on the 12th August. Both are in non advanced FT education, accepted to complete their second year this September. Both have SEN, EHCP's and  receive the enhanced rate of PIP. 

It's just myself and the twins, I work Full time and I'm in receipt of tax credits and child benefit. 

My UC migration notice was received in February with a migration date in May. I asked for a deferral to UC based on their birthday in August turning 19, as under tax credits my claim would continue until their 20th b'day., unlike UC which stops on their 19th b'day. This was refused and I was told that they could only defer if this was in the 3 month migration notice period.

I have been successful in having the migration date extended twice, whilst in contact with various organisations and my MP. This has been a lengthy process and due to the elections my MP has now been replaced. The new extension date is the 6th august. which is a few dates short of their birthday on the 12th August.

When speaking to one of the UC officers, they spoke of having my mp follow this up to have a deferral agreed. With my previous mp I only dealt with the caseworker who appeared to be following up with the process, but this stopped due to the elections.

I had also made a complaint with UC, via the website, but despite being told to expect a response within 15 days which has now long past. 

Any advice on my best next steps from here?

HillStreetBlues

The Case Manager Guidance.
https://revenuebenefits.org.uk/pdf/Case-Manager-Guidance-redacted.pdf


It makes clear it should be deferred until they reach 20

poppy12345

Tax Credits are ending on 5th April 2025 so you would only be able to continue claim it until that date. 

Durgalovesarms

You would think that would be the case HillstreetBlues given how close to their birthdate is, however because they are currently age 18 and not 19 UC are saying this does not include them.

Durgalovesarms

Thanks Poppy, my thoughts are better to end next April then this August. 

HillStreetBlues

Durgalovesarms said:

You would think that would be the case HillstreetBlues given how close to their birthdate is, however because they are currently age 18 and not 19 UC are saying this does not include them.

Sorry I misread your post, I have read that it should also apply to 18 year-olds, but for some reason it's just applied to 19.
As poppy pointed out they are ending next year so  they aren't going to change policy now, but you might be able to get yours deferred with help from your MP as an exception.

Durgalovesarms

Thanks for the follow up response.

I've reached out to the caseworker. My new MP contact details are still to be made available. Crossing my fingers!

HillStreetBlues said:

Durgalovesarms said:

You would think that would be the case HillstreetBlues given how close to their birthdate is, however because they are currently age 18 and not 19 UC are saying this does not include them.

Sorry I misread your post, I have read that it should also apply to 18 year-olds, but for some reason it's just applied to 19.
As poppy pointed out they are ending next year so  they aren't going to change policy now, but you might be able to get yours deferred with help from your MP as an exception.

olgadapolga

Probably if no help at all - my son was 18 when I got mine deferred/cancelled but he was due to turn 19 before the migration date.

Durgalovesarms

Thanks Olgadapolga - I read through your previous thread when I was scrambling around for advice and it was really helpful. 

It's the not being age 19 at the time of migration that's been the sticking ground. I could understand if I had other dependants on my claim for the UC migration to proceed, but its frustrating that this isn't the case and whomever I speak with agrees it should be challenged, but it's trying to have someone with UC agree to cancel.

Probably if no help at all - my son was 18 when I got mine deferred/cancelled but he was due to turn 19 before the migration date.