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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To say this isn't my fault and how can they do this to people?

17 replies

Dundundun · 14/02/2019 10:57

I moved house on the 5th Feb and reported my change on the 5th Feb to the universal credit. I'm never moved house before while claiming so didn't know how it worked really but got confirmation also on the 5th that they had received my change of circumstances.

Fast forward to today I got a message off them saying that I need to bring a copy of my new tenancy agreement (fine) except they are saying they won't pay me any rent until I've provided this.

My assessment period is the 13th to the 13th so I've missed it by one day, I managed to get an appointment for today to take in the tenancy agreement but they are still saying as my assessment period is the 13th to the 13th there is nothing they can do about this month and I just won't get any rent paid?

How can they do that? It took them 9 days to get back to me and they are saying it's my fault it wasn't reported and proved within the assessment period. I'm already £250 in my overdraft and have a two year old to look after. Sad

Is there anyway I can take this further?

OP posts:
Original poster
Dundundun · 14/02/2019 11:29

Bump

OP posts:
SnowyAlpsandPeaks · 14/02/2019 11:42

Try contacting your MP?

Mine was ace when I had problems with child tax credits. They stopped it for months, and I was providing evidence and they were arguing against it etc. I spoke to my MP and within a week I had all the money I had lost back and they continued to pay the same rate. So that would be my suggestion.

Good luck, I can imagine how worried you are.

runoutofnamechanges · 14/02/2019 11:51

Snowy's advice is good. Also try CAB. I think you can request an advance if you have a change in circumstances that cause financial hardship.

madcatladyforever · 14/02/2019 11:58

For fuck's sake how is anyone supposed to keep on top of thier stupid rules without a Phd?
It's a disgusting way to treat people. I'm disabled but too terrified to give up my job and have to deal with this nightmare.
I hope you get it sorted.

Alsohuman · 14/02/2019 12:04

My MP was amazing in a similar situation. After literally months of my attempting to get my child benefit paid, it was all sorted within a week of contacting him.

Original poster
Dundundun · 14/02/2019 12:05

Thank you for replying. Will look at what CAB have to say. Sorry if this is a stupid question but if I have to write to my MP how do you do that? Do you just find an email address online? Hope it doesn't come to that though. They shouldn't make it this much of a fight and the MPs are probably inundated.

OP posts:
runoutofnamechanges · 14/02/2019 12:08

Google your MP to find out how best to contact them. They will also hold surgeries where you can make an appointment to discuss your issue in person.

floribunda18 · 14/02/2019 12:10

Here you go, OP.

www.theyworkforyou.com/mps/

Hope you get it sorted, the stupid twats.

EwItsAHooman · 14/02/2019 12:10

You can find your MP and their contact details here:

www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/mps/

Is your property council/housing association? If it is then get in touch with them as they often have processes in place for when this happens, I know our local council have posters up at the library and school asking tenants to contact them if they're having problems playing rent or council tax due to UC.

Original poster
Dundundun · 14/02/2019 12:13

Thank you very much everyone. It isn't council unfortunately it's private and I really don't want to miss the first month as it doesn't give a good impression and there is loads wrong with the house so I'm scared they won't fix it if I don't pay (which I understand from their point of view)

OP posts:
runoutofnamechanges · 14/02/2019 12:17

It's probably best to go to your MP's website rather than just using the contact details from those sites as it will have information about how best to contact that particular MP and what to send etc. Their website link will be on the links the PPs sent.

FrogFairy · 14/02/2019 12:18

Speak to your council about a DHP (discretionary housing payment)

Dagnabit · 14/02/2019 12:49

I came on to suggest DHP - FrogFairy beat me to it. My local council haven't even spent 50% of theirs and it's reset at the beginning of the financial year. They are being very generous with the tenants I work with so definitely worth a punt!

Rafflesway · 14/02/2019 13:15

Universal Credit sounds like one of the most disgusting benefits ever created. 😡

I am early retired and thankfully financially comfortable but feel dreadfully by what I am constantly seeing and hearing from this vile method of paying people in need.

OP please do contact someone. This is so wrong on every level. Angry

Vixxxy · 14/02/2019 13:19

Any excuse to delay payment. AT my MILs last appointment they mentioned to her she can apply to get payments fortnightly. And said a decision maker would sort it if the request was put in. So she requested it. Her payment was due yesterday, all week it had said 7 days, 6 days etc. Then yesterday it suddenly changed to 'latest payment 13th January' showing no payment due. What happened is that because she had not sent in proof that neighbours and family were having to lend her money, her payments had been put on hold until this 'evidence' was accepted. Sorry but does anyone know anyone who gives out receipts when lending friends cash? Its a ridiculous request and they did not tell her it would delay payment either. She was basically tricked into not getting her payment, which is fucking horrendous.

Keep trying to pressure her to look for work too, despite being very ill and her doctor personally writing to the DWP saying she is not fit for work as they seemed to be ignoring the sicknotes Hmm

Its all a fucking mess, and deliberate too.

I also suggest writing to MP. My MP years back sorted a benefit issue.

Original poster
Dundundun · 14/02/2019 13:39

Vixxxy that's appalling. I'm very sorry your MIL is going through this. This is why the system pisses me off, in theory it should actually be a good system but they try so hard to delay payments and sanction people it's getting people in debt which costs more in the long run not to mention the toll on people's mental health. Who ever is the driving force behind all these delays and sanctions such be very ashamed of themselves and I hope one day they find themself in a shit situation so they can see first hand what an utter shit show they have made although I know that will never happen

OP posts:
Gooseygoosey12345 · 14/02/2019 13:46

Before contacting your MP it's worth going to the council offices and speaking to somebody. I missed my deadline date after change of circumstances because they asked me to provide information but didn't tell me WHAT information they wanted. They still paid me what I was entitled to. It's worth speaking to someone face to face there first. You can also ask for a DHP then as well. Failing that then contact your MP

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