UC saying pensioner partner of MAC not entitled to an allowance

Hi - got a MAC applying for a DHP - on checking their UC award, they onyly have a single rate personal allowance - Pensioner is British citizen previously receiving PCGC - asked customer to query with uc

uc response” As your husband is above pension age, he is not entitled to any payment through Universal Credit therefore you will receive the single allowance”
‘
Im wondering whether UC try to get it wrong or whether they just don’t know even the most basic of their own regulations…..
Shocking i need to send customer the UC regs so she can send them to UC and ask for an anytime revision as they’ve awarded single rate since claim started 10 months ago….. no wonder they are struggling to pay their rent….

This is surely one of the daftest responses I’ve come across. Which is saying something for DWP.

I had exactly this. Had to put the regs in the journal and request UC sort it out (and themselves)

On a similar theme - Hello *********, ‘As you will still be below State Pension age, you will still be eligible for your Universal Credit claim, we would just deduct the pension payments pound for pound from your Universal Credit awards, in line with Government policy. You would not be eligible for the Carer element of Universal Credit, as your partner has been awarded Limited Capability for Work and Work Related Activities, and it is Government policy that only one of these elements can be paid. As the Disability element pays the higher rate, this is the one that is paid. You can apply for Carers Allowance (a separate benefit ), though please be aware that Carers Allowance is also deducted pound for pound from Universal Credit awards. regards, Rishi, ******** Service Centre’.

Sounds like Rishi was having a bad day. Poor Rishi.

Andyp5 Citizens Advice Bridport & District - 06 June 2024 04:43 PM

On a similar theme - Hello *********, ‘As you will still be below State Pension age, you will still be eligible for your Universal Credit claim, we would just deduct the pension payments pound for pound from your Universal Credit awards, in line with Government policy. You would not be eligible for the Carer element of Universal Credit, as your partner has been awarded Limited Capability for Work and Work Related Activities, and it is Government policy that only one of these elements can be paid. As the Disability element pays the higher rate, this is the one that is paid. You can apply for Carers Allowance (a separate benefit ), though please be aware that Carers Allowance is also deducted pound for pound from Universal Credit awards. regards, Rishi, ******** Service Centre’.

Thanks Daphne and DWP stakeholders team for sorting this case out and ensuring payment of arrears etc.