Universal Credit query

Pablolufc

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81906043#Comment_81906043

Thanks for this - we only have 1 joint account. From which the bills are paid from. The mortgage is in both our names. all the others are in mine from historic accounts sky etc.. How do we deal with them? I am assuming we just split them and I pay some and she pays some from personal accounts?

Pablolufc

No idea how she has got it, I think very little details were asked about me on application. The house has £200k-ish equity however she is hoping to buy elsewhere if we both agree on me buying her out - however I think she has 6 months before DWP would say she is above the savings threshold

marcia_

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81906430#Comment_81906430

she will have been asked if she lived alone or with others. Assuming she lied and said she lived alone

Pablolufc

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81906454#Comment_81906454

She is adamant she didnt, which makes the whole thing so bizzare. Currently after her bill share and regular outgoings she has approx £900 a month disposable income.

huckster

Your wife should check the claim information she gave and ask Universal Credit if she has made an error.

Now that you know about this possible fraud, you need to take action, as if questionned you can no longer say that you did not know anything about this matter.

Report benefit fraud - GOV.UK https://share.google/e3jdSrqokGobBJtkf

NedS

@Pablolufc

The question it asks is "Do you live with a partner?"

If she answers No to that question, as she no longer regards you as her partner, then the claim will proceed on the basis that she is single, and no information about you would be asked or given.

Pablolufc

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81906704#Comment_81906704

Thanks for that. So despite having a decent amount of disposable income already she is entitled to more. You would of thought they would want to see details of the bills etc...

Spoonie_Turtle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81906778#Comment_81906778

That's not how it works. A claimant's circumstances determine how much their maximum award is (single or couple allowance, elements for children, any rent, health or caring element, etc.) then their income and savings determine any deductions.

Maximum award minus deductions equals the eligible payment.

However, notable that she may be claiming for your children, so at least some of the money she's eligible for is intended to be going towards expenses for your children.

Pablolufc

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81906829#Comment_81906829

Let's hope that happens! Thanks for your comments

marcia_

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81906704#Comment_81906704

doesn't it also ask about others in the household re the housing element?