Below we have highlighted some of the more common areas where things can go wrong.
If you feel that your award of Universal Credit is wrong then do seek advice from a Benefits Adviser who will be able to check your award with you and help you challenge a decision/amount of award if appropriate.
Only getting 50% of rent covered?
Where you have a joint tenancy but your joint tenant no longer lives in the property (for instance where a couple have separated), the DWP often refer to this person as an ‘absent joint tenant’ and you as having an ‘untidy tenancy’.
The online system will automatically divide your rent in two and so the Housing Costs Element included in your Universal Credit award will be based on 50% of your rent. However, if the DWP are aware of your situation they can increase this to 100% and award any back pay too.
Even though the DWP has the discretion to cover the full rent, they sometimes suggest you need to have the former joint tenant taken off the tenancy before they can increase the value of your Housing Costs Element but this is incorrect.
If you think that has happened contact your Income Officer or a Benefits Adviser for help.
Told A ESA work capability decision doesn’t count?
If you were on ESA on the day you claimed Universal Credit and you have not been found ‘fit for work’ then any decision regarding your capability for work should be transferred over to your Universal Credit claim.
The DWP do not always apply these rules and so refer claimants for a new medical assessment instead, this can mean you miss out on extra Universal Credit.
Contact a Benefits Adviser if you think this has happened to you and they will help you challenge that decision.
New UC claim closed?
Once you have submitted your claim for Universal Credit there are still several things you must do to ensure the claim goes into payment.
If you fail to do these your claim can be closed.
However, sometimes the DWP do not give the claimants the following required time – see below. Contact a Benefits Adviser if your first claim for Universal Credit was closed, but don’t delay in making a further claim for Universal Credit
Providing supporting evidence
One month from the date of request.
Attending the new claim interview
A ‘cooling off’ period of 7 days to accept the claimant commitment.
Verifying your identity
One month from the date of claim.
Been sanctioned?
If you are expected to look for work in exchange for getting Universal Credit, your Claimant Commitment will outline what you need to do.
If you do not keep to this agreement then your Universal Credit can be sanctioned.
But your Claimant Commitment must be realistic and take account of any health problems or exceptional circumstances.
Contact a Benefits Adviser to discuss challenging the sanction decision, changing your commitment or applying for Hardship Payments. More information on sanctions here.