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New to benefits

Hi all.

I'm new to benefits and would love some advice. I have lived with my (now ex) partner for 5 years. We have recently split up due to his financial abuse and I am living with a friend with my daughter (not his). I have applied for a council house as we are in arrears with all of our rent and bills because he wouldn't pay. I work enough to pay as much as I could, but there were times that I couldn't feed myself. As I have had to escape abuse, I need to work out how to move on and pay debts off without him. I've contacted StepChange who have advised me on lots of ways to help myself. There was a question about Universal Credit that I couldn't answer. As I'm no longer living with my ex, can I claim UC? My name is on the rental agreement, but I'm halfway parked at the moment. I can't afford to raise a deposit for a new house, I don't know whether I will get a council house, but I can't claim homelessness because I'm effectively not, I just can't return home. I can't stay much longer at my friend's house. It's a bit of a mess. Basically, can I claim UC as on paper, we are under the same roof?

Thank you in advance!

Comments

  • Alice_Holt
    Alice_Holt Posts: 6,094 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 17 July 2019 at 8:46PM
    I don't see why not.
    You and your daughter should be regarded as a different "benefit household" to your friend.
    I presume you are not claiming Tax Credits currently.

    Before claiming check if you have an entitlement to UC -
    https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/AboutYou
    https://www.entitledto.co.uk/

    It would be worth seeing if your council has any schemes to help with private tenancy deposits.
    The housing costs / rental situation might be an issue for UC if you are liable for rent but not living there - perhaps you could get advice from your local CAB or Shelter -
    https://england.shelter.org.uk/get_help
    Alice Holt Forest situated some 4 miles south of Farnham forms the most northerly gateway to the South Downs National Park.
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