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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Universal Credit

32 replies

HelenSmart · 01/08/2019 09:08

Posted in MM too, but I copied it here for traffic.

I'll try to keep it as brief as I can:

My partner left (domestic violence. People are aware, but I didn't report it yet).

I know I have to claim UC now. Iknow.thebasic procedure. I'd just like a bit of a timeline I guess?

I'm away next week (preplanned) and on the Monday after the Friday I come back, I'm due a tax credits payment. I'll call the DWP on the Monday to get the ball rolling.

What will happen?

A few things:

I get PIP (enhanced both)
I have two DC
I can't find any of their ID, or my PIP award letter. That'll be STBXH hiding things- he has form.

STBXH won't shift his butt to get his wages moved from my account! He'll do it "when he has time". Will they think this is money I've earned?

OP posts:
TooManyPups · 01/08/2019 09:35

Your claim takes 5 weeks to process... Start the ball rolling today online not when you get back..
Ring pip and ask them for another copy of your award notice that way by the time you are back you will have it ( if he is still living with you then consider asking them to send it to a care of address so it doesn't disappear again)
I never needed my children's Ids just my own.
If he has moved out of where you are living (you don't say renting or owned) then get your letting agent to write a letter also confirming that you are now the sole Tennant in the property even if at this time the tenancy still has his name on..
... I was tearing my hair out by the end of the application process but after the first 5 weeks it gets easier
(try avoiding taking out the advanced payment if you can during the initual 5 weeks... You pay that back over 12 months)

TooManyPups · 01/08/2019 09:38

Oh and sorry I don't know much about how UC works with PiP... Mine was cancelled before my UC claim during the change over from DLA so I'm now going through the whole exhausting process again.

atthepark · 01/08/2019 09:41

If you claim uc just now you will have to wait 5 weeks but won't get your tax credit payment. Wait until you get your tax credits then do the application.
For the documents could you phone pip and ask for a copy of the award and for the children's birth certificates order new ones.

KnittingForMittens · 01/08/2019 09:42

Please do not go on UC if you can. If you're still getting TC, then just stay on that. UC is terrible and I've had nothing but problems after problems.

stilldontgiveaf · 01/08/2019 09:45

You will need all the kids birth certificates (long versions), your ID and birth certificate. May not need PIP letter as it does not affect UC. You'll also need proof of your address and if you private rent, you'll need your original tenancy.

If you don't have these for your appointment, your application won't be processed.

Your tax credits will stop from the date you apply online for UC.

Original poster
HelenSmart · 01/08/2019 09:56

I can order new birth certificates, and I'll call the DWP re: another PIP award letter.

I have no photo ID, except my disabled person's bus pass.

Sorry I sound a little disjointed: extremely overwhelmed atm

OP posts:
OhNoooNotAgain · 01/08/2019 09:57

Can't really advise on UC, but regarding his wages- open a new account and close the old one.

Original poster
HelenSmart · 01/08/2019 10:01

I've asked him to. He's being a dick about it.

OP posts:
Original poster
HelenSmart · 01/08/2019 10:01

Sorry- I misunderstood.

OP posts:
MammaMia19 · 01/08/2019 10:10

Don’t apply for uc until after your next tax credit/pip payment as they stop instantly. You’ll then have to wait 5 weeks for a payment. You can apply for an advance but then you have to pay this back over 12 months and it comes off your monthly uc payments.
Before applying I’d speak to citizens advice or other free independent advice.
I’m sure uc are linked to your national insurance number so it shouldn’t affect you having his wages. uc can be affected by how much you have in your account though. I’d speak to the bank, get a block on the account and a new open opened

WrongKindOfFace · 01/08/2019 10:15

Speak to citizens advice or another benefits advice service - do you have DIAL in your area? If you’re eligible for sdp (severe disability premium) you might not be eligible for uc, you might have to make a single claim for tax credits and Esa instead.

WrongKindOfFace · 01/08/2019 10:18

Oh and if the child benefit is in your name you probably won’t need the birth certificates for the children.

Original poster
HelenSmart · 01/08/2019 10:22

Wrongkind I actually have a condition which is unchanging, and I used to claim the SDP of income support before he moved in. So i may well be eligible for it now.

So you think they'll just change my ctc claim to a single one?

OP posts:
Original poster
HelenSmart · 01/08/2019 10:25

Thank you to the people who have answered. All of this is extremely overwhelming. I keep swinging from massive highs that I've finally broken free, to wondering what the fuck I'm going to do without him! Not just money- other practical things.

OP posts:
Original poster
HelenSmart · 01/08/2019 10:26

Re: Bank statements. I'm paperless. (Easier for me to read). Another thing to order?

OP posts:
OhNoooNotAgain · 01/08/2019 10:27

You don't need his permission- close the account x

Hont1986 · 01/08/2019 10:44

Seconding the advice to speak to CAB/a benefits advice organisation to check your circumstances.

That said, you won't be able to claim Income Support again. You would have to have been getting the SDP within the past month to be protected from UC. Also, moving from a couple's CTC claim to a single person claim will also trigger a move to UC, so I think it is unavoidable.

DuckWillow · 01/08/2019 10:48

I’d be tempted to empty the account the moment the arse pays money in. Then close the account. Refusing to move his money out...seriously what an idiot.

Original poster
HelenSmart · 01/08/2019 10:58

On the phone to the CAB now. Trying not to cry.

He just came by to pick up DS and I find he hasn't even bothered to open his own account yet!

Need a handhold more than anything I think.

Why does he get to beat the shit out of me, then walk, leaving me to clean all this mess?

OP posts:
Original poster
HelenSmart · 01/08/2019 10:58

Btw I'm a reg on a NC.

OP posts:
Original poster
HelenSmart · 01/08/2019 10:59

I'm only just getting used to the fact that I don't actually need his permission to do ANYTHING- not just close the account.

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Original poster
HelenSmart · 01/08/2019 11:01

Birth certificates: I can literally pick them up on my way back home from my break. 😍 The registry office is next to the bus/coach station!

Mind if I offload some of my other, big-money related shit?

OP posts:
Gingerkittykat · 01/08/2019 12:10

Your tax credits will stop as soon as you put in a UC application, if you delay though you are risking losing the personal allowance and housing costs for that time, also tax credits are paid in advance so could end up with an overpayment.

They can verify your kids identity from child benefit.

Your PIP will stay the same whether you claim UC or not.

If you are unfit for work because of your disability get a sick note from your GP before your appointment.

Can you get a new bank account and take your name off the old one?

MammaMia19 · 01/08/2019 12:26

The reference number on your bank statement (loads of numbers before chb on the payment) is the child benefit number. I wasn’t asked for the child benefit number when I applied for uc or their birth certificates but everyone else I know was

Original poster
HelenSmart · 01/08/2019 12:35

Thank you. Just to clarify, the account is in my name.

OP posts:
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