compensation recovery and universal credit

? another unintended consequence?

this is a quote from a scottish colleague’s post in another forum

Accident over 2 years ago.  About a year ago wife changes from Employment Support Allowance to Universal Credit.  Money still paid into her account but now treated as joint benefit.  CRU Certificate says whole benefits to the couple are recoupable against earnings from time moved to Universal Credit, so around £10k per annum repayable (and rising) , not from date of accident , but from date moved to Universal Credit (which also includes Housing Benefit.)

had wife stayed on ESA then there would have been no recoupment.  and of course, housing benefit was never recoupable anyway

i have suggested to him that it might well be that wife should not have been transferred (it was Income Related, not CB ESA) and she might like some welfare advice.

offered to post here in case anyone has any thoughts….

i put this in the wrong thread…. doh!