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Assessment period, joint claims
This is probably obvious but here goes…................
A claimant who is already getting UC becomes part of a couple. The new partner is not getting UC and then has to claim it.
What are the dates of the assessment period - is it from the dates in the original, single, claim or is it from the date of the new joint claim? I’ve had a look in CPAG but i’m still not quite sure.
thanks
The existing AP is retained. The new partner is treated as having a made a claim without having to do so. See Reg 21(3B)
The existing AP is retained. The new partner is treated as having a made a claim without having to do so. See Reg 21(3B)
How does that work in practice? If the new partner not previously claiming UC doesn’t have to make a claim what happens about ID checks, setting up journal and agreeing claimant commitment. Does the existing claimant simply inform DWP of the new partner and the DWP then contact the partner?
In practice it is basically the same as making a new claim - all the sections to complete, setting up the account, arranging the appointments etc