I spoke to my trustee today, and they said they can accept universal credit payement under these circumstances. I mentioned I had been advised that I thought that isn’t allowed but he said at the moment the rules are all over the place so they would be happy to accept it as long as it was still affordable to me. I also got them to give me a settle figure but I think I’m going to keep paying it at the moment

Hi Vicky286.

Did you get the sense that they made a proper assessment about whether using your universal credit for this purpose is affordable for you?

After you've paid all of your bills and bought food etc, is there really enough of your universal credit left over to cover your trust deed payment?

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Originally posted by Vicky286
[br]I spoke to my trustee today, and they said they can accept universal credit payement under these circumstances. I mentioned I had been advised that I thought that isn’t allowed but he said at the moment the rules are all over the place so they would be happy to accept it as long as it was still affordable to me. I also got them to give me a settle figure but I think I’m going to keep paying it at the moment

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Hi Vicky

I've checked the AiB's COVID contingency arrangements and don't see anything about it now being OK to take contributions from benefits.

I DO see the point that Kevin has already made - plus the point that your trustee can discharge you if this change in circumstances is out of your control. The effect of COVID is mentioned specifically.

TDA's point is very important, but I think there's a deeper problem with the information from your trustee. 🙁

I think this is really poor on the part of your trustee to be honest, Vicky. I can understand that you are keen to continue to make the scheduled payments if at all possible, even if it means stretching your budget beyond the limits, however it simply shouldn't be necessary.

As TDA has said, they should be making a proper assessment of your current budget and only asking for you to pay what you can reasonably afford to. If that is nil just now then so be it. The law is quite explicit that they should not be seeking or accepting any payment from benefits.

I realise you probably don't want to rock the boat with your trustee, but from what you are saying it sounds like they are treating you unfairly and are quite happy to ignore the legislation and guidance that they should be abiding by. Maybe you feel that you would rather not challenge them on this, which is up to you, but if you do then they might change their tune.

Hi. I have read through this topic and slightly get scared... My TD is aware of my coming unemployment and got payment break for September. How long can I be unemployed before my PTD would be terminated please? I have 8 months left (out of 48) only. I will do my best to get a new job but let's face the fact... it is a tough period now. Thank you.

Hi questionmark. Please try not to worry. There is no length of time beyond which your Trust Deed would be terminated. As long as you provide evidence to your trustee of your change in circumstances and continue to do so for as long as it lasts then they shouldn't terminate your Trust Deed. There is no reason why they shouldn't discharge you successfully after the 48 months have elapsed, regardless of whether some payment shave had to be set to nil because of your change in circumstances.

Will you be due any redundancy payment?

Hi Kevin. Thank you for your kind words, it gave me some peace. So does it mean that if I am still unemployed - for example 3-4 months - is it count into the rest 8 months or 8 months of contribution will be due after I get a full time job again. I will get the basic statutory redundancy payment (no bonuses or extra lump sum).

Hi questionmark.

There isn't necessarily a clear answer to this question.

A trustee could count these months (where no contribution is made) towards the 48 month term of a trust deed. They might instead want 8 months of payment to complete the trust deed.

You might want to ask your trust deed provider how they handle situations like this.