Universal credit - mixed age couples

[dillonbarks]

We have finally been pushed from tax credits to UC, the deadline is this week so have filled out the online forms, as has DH and accounts are linked. It's has immediately given him a 'prepare to meet your work coach' message/ he is almost 70 and gets a state pension. I have messaged back but been ignored in the journal meanwhile someone has given him an identity check at a job centre which I cannot take him to as it's on the 23rd December. I have written again that he cannot attend what with being a disabled pensioner but no response. It's been a few days and not getting any replies. Has anyone any experience of mixed age couples on UC, why would he have a work coach? I am on carers allowance so it's left me alone.

I feel your pain. But it is what it is. If they close your claim then you'll have to start again. Its their modus operandi. Our way or no way.

Can you not book him a taxi there and back? He needs to go. That’s just how it is. You have to go when they book you in, that’s the condition of receiving taxpayer money to support you.

No he can't just get a taxi. Like I said already I'm not looking for suggestions on how to get him there.

@Hesonlyakidharry

Just wanted to add, prior to DH becoming disabled we were the taxpayers. Please don't judge us for something that happened through no fault or choice of our own for needing to claim UC.

It’s not judgement. It’s fact. There are certain things you must abide by if you want to claim. One of those, is going to the meetings when told to go. It’s just how it is.

If you don’t like it then don’t claim. If you want to claim, then do what you’re required to do.

It’s not judgement. It’s fact. There are certain things you must abide by if you want to claim. One of those, is going to the meetings when told to go. It’s just how it is.

If you don’t like it then don’t claim. If you want to claim, then do what you’re required to do.

I don't think you are understanding, or you are being deliberately obtuse - he cannot attend that day. It is not a choice.

The easiest way to clear the mix up is take him there with passport etc.
Or you attend on his behalf and facetime him in?
Or don't go and accept it will take more time to clarify

I don't mind the time it takes if they would just communicate so we can make another appointment.

Then pick up the phone and call them during working hours if you don’t want to rearrange whatever Xmas plans you have to go to this appointment which will only take up about 15 minutes.

The only way I have found yo get a response on the journal is send the message to every department multiple times. But I usually still have to end up phoning (multiple times) to resolve any issues. UC journal = waste of time.

@Hesonlyakidharry

Then pick up the phone and call them during working hours if you don’t want to rearrange whatever Xmas plans you have to go to this appointment which will only take up about 15 minutes.

I have said nearly 5 hours ago I plan to call them. Thanks for the advice though.

This has nothing to do with Christmas, not sure why you have assumed that.

Have you written on your journal asking to rearrange the appointment?

They might also be able to do a home visit to verify ID since your husband is disabled.

Yes they just haven't answered it yet. I didn't realise home visits were a possibility- I will ask when I call them, thank you

@dillonbarks Warnings were sounded on here about the change to Pension Credit for mixed age couples nearly six years ago and what could happen because of it.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/money-matters/3479693-Changes-to-Pension-Credit

We are not claiming or trying to claim pension credit

Ah the mysteries of the UC journal
Sometimes a msg back
And other time's radio silence to a pertinent query.
Op us that have experienced The UC journal system understand your plight.

Actually this reminds me the jobcentre did visit me in hospital to make my claim and to verify mu ID. It did take many months of faffing about for it to be sorted, though.

That thread is merely to show you that if it wasnt for that change to the PC rules back in 2019 you wouldnt be in the situation you are in now.

@JenniferBooth

That thread is merely to show you that if it wasnt for that change to the PC rules back in 2019 you wouldnt be in the situation you are in now.

Very helpful. Oh wait, it wasn't helpful for me to know the rules changed 5 years ago. I'm asking about now.

Ah you are one of those who only cares or pays attention to the news when it affects you personally Duly noted.

I would suggest making a complaint and raining the Disability Discrimination Act.

Experience suggests that they can be a bit useless on the front line.

We turned up with a wad of documents about savings that they were just not interested in

@JenniferBooth

Ah you are one of those who only cares or pays attention to the news when it affects you personally Duly noted.

Not at all, but on a thread about universal credit your input about peension credit rules which changed 5 years ago is not remotely relevant. Even as someone with a keen interest in the news, it's old news. Done and dusted. I did actually know about it at the time but it isn't relevant to me or indeed anyone else now. Not sure why you even mentioned it and even less sure why you are still going at me because I pointed out my thread is not about pension credit.

Thank you, this is an avenue to explore if needs be.