Universal Credit help

crymeariver

Hello, I am a long time poster but have created a new username as this is pretty sensitive stuff.

So anyway my (ex) husband and I have separated. It's been over a while but making everything official now.
He is named on the mortgage and the deeds. My name isn't on anything.
We had a joint back account but I only worked on and off during our marriage, taking care of our child and of him when he had a period of illness.

I have been given a new contract at work where I will be working 36 hours per week for a little over minimum wage, it's in a school so I get holidays off.

I haven't yet found anywhere to live, but things are getting increasingly difficult at home, no violence, just bickering, periods of silence and very little support.

How do I go about moving out? Do I find somewhere then apply and hope I get HB part of it? As there is no way I can afford to privately rent without it.

I will only receive a nominal amount of child support due to short working hours and health.

Thank you!

[Deleted User]

You need to look at your local councils website and see what the LHA amounts are in your area, then go to one of the benefit websites that will work out what you might get, it will also depend on if you are in a full live UC area.
Good luck

crymeariver

Thank you.

I've already done all that, a 2 bed place I'm entitled to £678.07 and it's a full UC area already, but do I find somewhere to live then apply or can I apply before I move?

xylophone

Are you going to divorce your husband?

If so, there will be a financial settlement?

calcotti

crymeariver wrote: »

Thank you.

I've already done all that, a 2 bed place I'm entitled to £678.07 and it's a full UC area already, but do I find somewhere to live then apply or can I apply before I move?

You can't get help to pay rent until you're liable to pay it so you need a tenancy agreement before help with rent can be included in your UC award.

Worth noting that UC is calculated on a monthly basis (day of the month will depend on day you make valid claim) and the amount you get is based on your circumstances at the end of the assessment period. If you make a UC claim and then start a tenancy part way through the month you will get help with your rent as if you were liable for the whole month. (The reverse is true in that when you leave a tenancy if you are no longer liable for rent you will get no help with rent for that month even though you may have been liable for almost the whole period.)

Comms69

crymeariver wrote: »

Hello, I am a long time poster but have created a new username as this is pretty sensitive stuff.

So anyway my (ex) husband and I have separated. It's been over a while but making everything official now.
He is named on the mortgage and the deeds. My name isn't on anything.
We had a joint back account but I only worked on and off during our marriage, taking care of our child and of him when he had a period of illness.

I have been given a new contract at work where I will be working 36 hours per week for a little over minimum wage, it's in a school so I get holidays off.

I haven't yet found anywhere to live, but things are getting increasingly difficult at home, no violence, just bickering, periods of silence and very little support.

How do I go about moving out? Do I find somewhere then apply and hope I get HB part of it? As there is no way I can afford to privately rent without it.

I will only receive a nominal amount of child support due to short working hours and health.

Thank you!

Wouldn't your child be better staying in the family home? Then your rent would be less. A room can be very cheap.

Comms69

calcotti wrote: »

You can't get help to pay rent until you're liable to pay it so you need a tenancy agreement before help with rent can be included in your UC award.

Worth noting that UC is calculated on a monthly basis (day of the month will depend on day you make valid claim) and the amount you get is based on your circumstances at the end of the assessment period. If you make a UC claim and then start a tenancy part way through the month you will get help with your rent as if you were liable for the whole month. (The reverse is true in that when you leave a tenancy if you are no longer liable for rent you will get no help with rent for that month even though you may have been liable for almost the whole period.)

Well in all likelihood rent is paid upfront, so ending the tenancy will end liability.

calcotti

Comms69 wrote: »

Well in all likelihood rent is paid upfront, so ending the tenancy will end liability.

That's a good point that I completely overlooked.