The advice thread for random problems #5

[xbxbx]

I tried that, they said because it's a joint claim my husband has to have a meeting too even though his circumstances haven't changed!!
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I messaged them telling them I didn't need UC anymore, they sent out a form which I duly completed. They then said i had to do one online. Which I did. I don't understand what is missing because surely they're getting my information through my NI number each month? I think I'll try this next

It’s been a while since I worked for DWP so some of this information might be outdated but - if you live with your partner and they claim UC then you need to have a joint claim regardless of whether you are working or not. Any money you earn from your job will then be taken into consideration to then determine how much you and your partner will be paid in UC. You won’t be able to close your claim and your partner have a single claim as in the eyes of DWP, if you live with someone then any money coming into the household needs to be taken into account. You will only be able to close your claim if your partner is also closing their claim.

Like I say this may be outdated as I haven’t worked there for a few years but if you’re not getting any clarification from DWP then maybe try Citizens Advice just to double check the rules?

 

[becca7721]

It’s been a while since I worked for DWP so some of this information might be outdated but - if you live with your partner and they claim UC then you need to have a joint claim regardless of whether you are working or not. Any money you earn from your job will then be taken into consideration to then determine how much you and your partner will be paid in UC. You won’t be able to close your claim and your partner have a single claim as in the eyes of DWP, if you live with someone then any money coming into the household needs to be taken into account. You will only be able to close your claim if your partner is also closing their claim.

Like I say this may be outdated as I haven’t worked there for a few years but if you’re not getting any clarification from DWP then maybe try Citizens Advice just to double check the rules?

This is still the case - a joint claim if living together. That’ll be why the husband needs to attend as well. Joint claim or no claim for a couple. Even when one is severely ill.

My friend (severely ill) and her husband found this a year ago. He got a job and didn’t realise this rule that his wife couldn’t keep claiming as a single person. In the end he gave up his job (as couldn’t work enough hours to support them both) and now they’re in a much worse mess. There’s a set amount for a couple to live on and that’s expected to be reached, in their case by one person, who wasn’t able to do so.

 

[CoffeeMamma]

I guess he'll have to ring them and sort an appointment then- the thing is they haven't called or text him once only me

 

[becca7721]

Obviously someone has screwed up but the claim cannot be closed by you alone. You both need to attend an appointment at Jobcentre to sort this out and, get some advice because if he’s still been getting UC whilst you are working he may have been overpaid depending on the taper on your salary etc.

With my friends her husband was lead claimant and sorted everything out so is contact, she hasn’t been - it’s still a joint claim though.

UC is such a bloody mess, it really is. So many vulnerable people been caught out by it. It was the same with the extra £20 during covid used to get people to transfer to UC early with no idea it would be stopped because no one was clear on that.

 

[OnlyHereForTheLolz]

Holiday Packing Advice

I’m going away for 4 nights to Croatia. The weather will be nice. I’m trying to pack the least amount of clothing possible. Excluding underwear and socks, what would you include? Or definitely exclude?
I feel like I still have too much

 

[CoffeeMamma]

Obviously someone has screwed up but the claim cannot be closed by you alone. You both need to attend an appointment at Jobcentre to sort this out and, get some advice because if he’s still been getting UC whilst you are working he may have been overpaid depending on the taper on your salary etc.

With my friends her husband was lead claimant and sorted everything out so is contact, she hasn’t been - it’s still a joint claim though.

UC is such a bloody mess, it really is. So many vulnerable people been caught out by it. It was the same with the extra £20 during covid used to get people to transfer to UC early with no idea it would be stopped because no one was clear on that.

I guess I must be the lead claimant? I haven't received anything since I took the form in so that bit is at least correct it will have to wait for summer hols because I work in education and refuse to take a days unpaid leave for this level of nonsense.

 

[tomato_paste]

Holiday Packing Advice

I’m going away for 4 nights to Croatia. The weather will be nice. I’m trying to pack the least amount of clothing possible. Excluding underwear and socks, what would you include? Or definitely exclude?
I feel like I still have too much

One jacket that's warm, even in May it can get cold at night, especially if you're by the sea. Obviously bathing stuff, a cardigan, then a dress if you wear those, leggins for under the dress (you can pack them in a bag if you go out for food in the evening and put them on later if it's cold if you're gonna take a walk around), a couple shirts, one pair of shorts, one pair of trousers and you'll be set methinks.

 

[Grizzlybear]

One jacket that's warm, even in May it can get cold at night, especially if you're by the sea. Obviously bathing stuff, a cardigan, then a dress if you wear those, leggins for under the dress (you can pack them in a bag if you go out for food in the evening and put them on later if it's cold if you're gonna take a walk around), a couple shirts, one pair of shorts, one pair of trousers and you'll be set methinks.

I’m not OP but this is such a good packing list i have saved it

 

[OnlyHereForTheLolz]

One jacket that's warm, even in May it can get cold at night, especially if you're by the sea. Obviously bathing stuff, a cardigan, then a dress if you wear those, leggins for under the dress (you can pack them in a bag if you go out for food in the evening and put them on later if it's cold if you're gonna take a walk around), a couple shirts, one pair of shorts, one pair of trousers and you'll be set methinks.

Thank you, I literally pack like I think I’m going to tit myself several times a day I’m struggling with the cutting down.
What’s an easy way to dress up a bit for the evening but could probably double for day time dressed down?

 

[Snippysnips]

What’s an easy way to dress up a bit for the evening but could probably double for day time dressed down?

I typically wear a nice dress, flat shoes an a casual jacket for day an heels at night with maybe a sparkly belt if the design will go with it

 

[tomato_paste]

Thank you, I literally pack like I think I’m going to tit myself several times a day I’m struggling with the cutting down.
What’s an easy way to dress up a bit for the evening but could probably double for day time dressed down?

Oh I always pack extra too, socks and underwear especially tbh though if anything were to happen like spilled food or something, you can wash it out, it's hot enough for stuff to dry in three hours or so.

A fancy jacket or sparkly cardigan will elevate any basics you can wear during the day, especially if you pair them with accessories, whether that be a bag, bracelet, belt, whatever. All things that won't take up much space. Heels are always a good choice too although I tend not to pack any because I like my city walking and sightseeing. Especially in Croatia there's a lot of cobblestone and stone pavings worn slippery with age, so flats are much more comfortable. If you must, I'd recommend a wedged heel!

 

[hytuhh]

If you’ve been let go of during your probationary period (due to “unsatisfactory performance”), what happens if a new employer asks the previous company for a reference? Would they state the reason why the probation was ended or just confirm the dates worked there?

Also, would it be advisable to just leave the role off your CV and cite career break, or would you still think it’s worth adding it on and just explaining the reasons?

 

[georgiecait]

Holiday Packing Advice

I’m going away for 4 nights to Croatia. The weather will be nice. I’m trying to pack the least amount of clothing possible. Excluding underwear and socks, what would you include? Or definitely exclude?
I feel like I still have too much

I went to Croatia in May a few years ago and, you could be blessed, but we had a few weird chilly days so one pack of trousers (not jeans so it's not that heavy) and a jacket of some sort just to take the chill off if you have it.
Enjoy!

 

[Phil Anne Throw Pee]

If you’ve been let go of during your probationary period (due to “unsatisfactory performance”), what happens if a new employer asks the previous company for a reference? Would they state the reason why the probation was ended or just confirm the dates worked there?

Also, would it be advisable to just leave the role off your CV and cite career break, or would you still think it’s worth adding it on and just explaining the reasons?

Depends how long the person lasted before being let go. In all likelihood, the company would just provide a factual reference to future employers but perhaps check with HR if you can to see what the referencing policy is. If it was a month or two, I would leave it off the CV and say career break, if 6 months, be honest where possible and just say it wasn't for you.

 

[Snippysnips]

Is there a way you can see what emails you have blocked/muted? I think I might have blocked a company's an now I need to log in to get a old order but I forgot my password an its saying it's sent a link which an not getting so am not sure if I've muted or blocked them, it's on Gmail

 

[gabbysolis]

Is there a way you can see what emails you have blocked/muted? I think I might have blocked a company's an now I need to log in to get a old order but I forgot my password an its saying it's sent a link which an not getting so am not sure if I've muted or blocked them, it's on Gmail

go onto safari/browser and go into your gmail by clicking the circle at the top with your initial, click ‘manage your Google account’, People & Sharing, scroll down to contacts and there’s a section there for blocked addresses

 

[Snippysnips]

go onto safari/browser and go into your gmail by clicking the circle at the top with your initial, click ‘manage your Google account’, People & Sharing, scroll down to contacts and there’s a section there for blocked addresses

Thank you, I usually do everything through my gmail app on the phone an it seems to not give you the full options with everything

 

[OnlyHereForTheLolz]

Thank you, I usually do everything through my gmail app on the phone an it seems to not give you the full options with everything

Have you checked your junk?

 

[Snippysnips]

Have you checked your junk?

Yeah but it wasn't there, looks like I had them muted, was able to get it sorted, I wish the phone gave more options to do more than having to go through your mail on a browser cause I never know my passwords

 

[Lalla]

My birthday is coming up, am meeting some friends in London during the day, they have suggested going to a wine event but I really am not keen (I'm not really a wine drinker although they are) - should I go along even though it's not really my thing? Or if not what else can we do as they seem to want to 'do' something more than just meeting for lunch.
This is me all over btw, complain I never get invited to anything then when I do I don't want to go