Universal Credit – Housing Costs, how do I prove my DC is under 16?

[UCHousingGoneWrong]

I work and get UC alongside as I’m a single parent. 1 DC who I also claim DLA for.

Since splitting with my ExH I’ve always had my rent at least partially covered by UC. New tenancy without ExHs name on, never claimed UC when with ExH anyway and his name has never been on the tenancy of the "new" place (in inverted commas as we've lived here over 5 years)

Until this April that was.

Now they’re claiming DC needs to work and pay half the rent or I have to prove their under 16.

But they’re a disabled 9-year-old.

I’ve shown their Birth Certificate and uploaed photos to my journal, shown the DLA letter which was awarded 2 years ago until their 10th birthday (2024), and also shown my tenancy agreement, Council Tax bill and several utility bills all solely in my name. DCs Headteacher has also rang them to confirm DC is under 16.

They’re still saying I have to either prove DC is under 16 or only pay half rent.

I can manage financially just about due to working but it’s taking me away from caring for DC when they need it – for context I wfh all apart from 2 days a month and DC doesn’t do a full school day due to their condition so I usually work 9.30am-2pm and then catch up once DC is in bed at night, but now I’m having to say no to picking DC up to ensure I get extra hours in and that’s affecting DC.

Neither I or DC have a passport, and I can’t really afford to get them either.

Is there any other way I can prove DC is under 16?

There must be a way to escalate this, you have shown proof.

Can you send them your child benefit award?

As an aside, how can a dc of 16 earn enough to pay half the rent?!

Yes claiming Child Benefit.

Yes sent full birth certificate in but I wasn't married to ExH when DC was born, that could be the issue. Will see if they want marriage certificate.

Why it's not been an issue at all in the last 5 years is bizarre though

Are you claiming the child element on your Uc claim? There may be a glitch

Yes this!

They are still expected to be in education or training until 18. How could they pay half the rent on the family property?

So maddening, I’d be tempted to contact your MP as a prior poster suggested. You can also contact Benefits and Work- they are a charity and they love to publicise DWP screw ups.

You need to do two things:

• request a Mandatory Reconsideration, this means asking them to look at the decision again: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/problems-with-your-payment/challenging-a-universal-credit-decision-mandatory-consideration/
• make a formal complaint, this is separate from the MR request, essentially you are complaining about the mistake they've made: https://makeacomplaint.dwp.gov.uk/

If after taking both these steps, it is not resolved promptly, you should contact your local citizens advice and your local MP to ask for more help to escalate the issue.