UC journal tips for optimal use and management

My first tip:

If you have told the DWP that you have limited internet access (local library) then make yourself  familiar with the library opening hours and don't access the journal outside those times. It is more than likely that DWP keeps a log of times the journal is accessed and will therefore know if it is regularly accessed outside of the library if you login when the library is closed.

If you have told DWP that you have private Internet access (why would you?) then feel free to ignore this tip.

Tip 2 Opting out of google analytics cookies.

At the bottom of the UCjournal screen click on 'cookies'

This should bring you to another screen.

Scroll down to the link 'I want to opt out of google analytics cookies'

click the link then tick the box.

MrFrankZola wrote:There are a number of browser add-ons that allow for screenshots to be uploaded to an online account. Always consider how copying online activity can easily become a rod for one's own back.

Maybe think of things akin to sending a letter and keeping a photocopy and or a free proof-of-posting cert from a post office.

TIP: It will help you deal with potential problems or challenging a decision in future if you keep copies of your journal and award statements as you go (for example, a screenshot). If you no longer have access to relevant claim details you can request the details from your case manager or, if that fails, request your personal information online.

The Universal Credit regulations allow the adviser the flexibility to make decisions based on the claimant’s individual circumstances.

Welfare-Champion wrote:(6) Where the person uses any method other than the method approved by the Secretary of State of submitting any claim or information, it is to be treated as not having been submitted.

A friend of mine has a UC overpayment due to DWP error (several hundred pounds), which has been notified more than once.  She won't have to pay it back (ref. a recent UT decision).  Smile

There is no requirement to upload information to the UJ at this time, DWP policy overrides the relevant regulations

ABC wrote:

Welfare-Champion wrote:(6) Where the person uses any method other than the method approved by the Secretary of State of submitting any claim or information, it is to be treated as not having been submitted.

Would you agree that that is definitive confirmation that the SoS (work coach) is able to mandate the use of the UC Journal?

At this time no.  However, Full Service UC is digital, so at some stage mandation is possible.

A friend of mine has a UC overpayment due to DWP error (several hundred pounds), which has been notified more than once.  She won't have to pay it back (ref. a recent UT decision).  Smile

Notwithstanding your UT reference which I have not seen, I am sure that under UC (not JSA) new legislation was put in to make repayment obligatory.

Correction, it was a FtT decison which was not challenged by the SoS.

https://www.reddit.com/r/LegalAdviceUK/comments/9qpz3j/universal_credit_tribunal_tomorrow_not_sure_what/

There is no requirement to upload information to the UJ at this time, DWP policy overrides the relevant regulations

I think we've discussed this before (memory getting bad!) but if this went to tribunal where only the law matters, the DWP policy would not override the regulations (the law). Yes, in the Jobcentre, policy may rule but at best, at tribunal, it would only be something commented on by the judge but not acted on.

Two UtT cases that verify that this is not the case.

It is  the antithesis of good government to keep the [the policy] in the departmental drawer

https://www.gov.uk/administrative-appeals-tribunal-decisions/nm-v-secretary-of-state-for-work-and-pensions-jsa-2016-ukut-351-aac

How can justice be done if even the decision maker does not know his or her own guidance, let alone the tribunals on appeal?

https://www.bailii.org/uk/cases/UKUT/AAC/2018/424.pdf

Non Deficere wrote:I am assuming documents can be uploaded to the Universal Credit Journal.

Welfare Champion wrote:My top Tip
Only use your UJ to your advantage

Pintel wrote:Also I was thinking that @Caker. Especially as I have had occasions where a work-roach has added something to there computer system that I disagreed with (the claimant commitment with me), that I later tried to have removed.   Rolling Eyes

For example i thought: "On **/**/**** I spoke to the roach, upon the matter of -----------. That I disagreed with so asked them to change this." So suddenly you have some control of what goes into there records.

Especially if you are not very good with people face to face, it could be very useful tool? Not exactly what the JCP wanted claimant to use the journal for me thinks???? geek

Caker wrote:@Pintel, you are so right.
Also, the UCj also makes it possible for you to raise queries about things such as UC rules and regs, which JC workers are supposed to be able to help with. These can be generic queries, not necessarily specific to your claim. If they are busy keeping up with those activities they will not have so much time for scrutinising your activities.

Caker wrote:

Non Deficere wrote:I am assuming documents can be uploaded to the Universal Credit Journal.

Only in certain circumstances, AFAIK.

The JC worker needs to place an upload link in the journal if they request you to upload a document. After this is done, the claimant can upload a document; this will show in the journal (date you did it) but there will be no further access to upload anything else or to delete the document you uploaded.

The only way that you can upload another document is if the JC worker inserts another link to enable this.

If the JC worker has placed a link, this can have a date by which the task should be done. I presume that some sort of (sanction) alarm bell is triggered if the task is not done by the date specified.

Non Deficere wrote:Is it possible to simply copy and paste a redacted CV within the UCJ?

He gave several examples of where poor system design and practice caused delays and payment errors, including:

Staff are not notified when claimants leave messages on their online journal; for example, if they wish to challenge payment errors. As a result, messages sent to officials can go unanswered for days or weeks unless claimants pursue the inquiry by phone.
Claimants are discouraged by staff from phoning in to resolve problems or to book a home visit and instead are actively persuaded to go online, using a technique called “deflection”, even when callers insist they are unable to access or use the internet.
Callers have often been given wrong or contradictory advice about their entitlements by DWP officials. These include telling severely disabled claimants who are moving on to universal credit from existing benefits that they must undergo a new “fit for work” test to receive full payment.
Although the system is equipped to receive scanned documents, claimants instead are told to present paper evidence used to verify their claim, such as medical reports, either at the local job centre or through the post, further slowing down the payment process.

Small delays or fluctuations in the timing of employers’ reporting of working claimants’ monthly wages via the real time information system can lead to them being left hundreds of pounds out of pocket through no fault of their own.