Benefits conundrum.....

nothingelse

It is the way UC use SP to calculate award that is the problem. It categories SP as an additional income.

maxmycardagain

frayedknot said:

maxmycardagain said:

So (according to the DWP/HMRC) ........2 can live as cheaply as 1, or cheaper

Yes, it's not HMRC, it's the DWP and they hate mixed-age couples. If the wife is entitled to new style jobseekers due to her ni record they will be ok but it will only last 6 months. After that, if she can't find work they'd be better off divorcing!
Just joking, but it's a ridiculous state of affairs.

You are correct it seems

A definate encouragement to dodge a few bullets and no-one could blame them

maxmycardagain

sammyjammy said:

frayedknot said:

maxmycardagain said:

So (according to the DWP/HMRC) ........2 can live as cheaply as 1, or cheaper

Yes, it's not HMRC, it's the DWP and they hate mixed-age couples. If the wife is entitled to new style jobseekers due to her ni record they will be ok but it will only last 6 months. After that, if she can't find work they'd be better off divorcing!
Just joking, but it's a ridiculous state of affairs.

Strong emotive language there.

IMO its right that mixed age couples claim UC if they need help from means tested benefits.  You could have a 10 year age difference in a couple, why should a healthy 57 year old get assistance from the state without the need to seek work?

so if she does seek work she will be able to benefit from her 33 years of contributions?

shes a street gaslamp lighter and knocker-up

maxmycardagain

NJSA is dependent on Class 1 contributions

maxmycardagain

another issue now..... just told me they have both been working part time, zero hours contract with a retainer when there s no work which is scheduled to be stopped, if they leave the jobs as there will be no income will the DSS/HMRC refuse any claime for UC?

poppy12345

maxmycardagain said:

another issue now..... just told me they have both been working part time, zero hours contract with a retainer when there s no work which is scheduled to be stopped, if they leave the jobs as there will be no income will the DSS/HMRC refuse any claime for UC?

There will still be income because of the state pension. The advice remains the same, there maybe a small entitlement to Universal Credit but their state pension will be deducted in full. They will need to claim as a couple. 

Their partner the person that's under state pension age maybe able to claim New style JSA if they are looking for work. This is paid for 6 months at £90.50/week. 

If they claim both benefits together the JSA will be deducted in full, which could very well reduce their UC to zero. 

Are either of them receiving any disability benefits such as PIP or DLA?

maxmycardagain

poppy12345 said:

maxmycardagain said:

another issue now..... just told me they have both been working part time, zero hours contract with a retainer when there s no work which is scheduled to be stopped, if they leave the jobs as there will be no income will the DSS/HMRC refuse any claime for UC?

There will still be income because of the state pension. The advice remains the same, there maybe a small entitlement to Universal Credit but their state pension will be deducted in full. They will need to claim as a couple. 

Their partner the person that's under state pension age maybe able to claim New style JSA if they are looking for work. This is paid for 6 months at £90.50/week. 

If they claim both benefits together the JSA will be deducted in full, which could very well reduce their UC to zero. 

Are either of them receiving any disability benefits such as PIP or DLA?

 They have both been part time and fail for NJSA on the following, as a pensioner he doesnt pay any N.I. while she, at 63 has full contributions but not Class 1 in the last 2/3 years


"You’ve paid and/or been credited with Class 1 NI contributions in the last 2 to 3 years as an employee"

In 40 months she will get her full state pension, looks grim till then, hopefully hubby wont peg it before then

poppy12345

As he's over state pension age he will not be able to claim NsJSA because this is a working age benefit. If her earnings were at least £123 per week there maybe entitlement to NsJSA because she will be classed as "treated as having paid NI contributions" Assuming she was PAYE and not self employed. 

maxmycardagain

One more question....

they both work for the same firm, they have only ever had part time hours and "standby" when there is no work, the company is now looking at withdrawing that standby leaving them both without hours or income, if they leave of thier own volition do the DSS pay benefits? I recall giving up a job means the DSS would refuse to pay benefits 

HillStreetBlues

As he is over SPA  he can't be penalised for leaving a job. She could be thou.