Relationship breakdown, am I eligible for Universal Credit?

Jen_0110 · 1 May 2020 at 3:42PM

Long story short, I've been living with my partner (now ex) for about 2 years, we don't have kids and I work self-employed as a therapist. He works in an office and is WFH right now.

Our relationship has been on the rocks for a while, and we have decided to split up. It's an amicable break-up, we are on friendly terms, there is just no romantic attraction any more. He has been sleeping in the spare room for the past few weeks, and if we weren't in lockdown right now then I would have left the flat.

Obviously I can't work now and I have nearly exhausted my savings. My ex has a decent job and savings over £16k.
I'm still waiting to hear from the govt about self-employed assistance, however we have rent, council tax, bills etc.

If we were still a couple then I know I wouldn't get assistance, but I'm wondering if I could be eligible now?
Would be very grateful if anyone has any experience or advice they could share?

calcotti · 1 May 2020 at 4:36PM

You should be able to claim UC as a single person. You will be asked whether anybody else lives in your home with you and may be asked about your relationship. However if you are not living together "as if a married couple" then you are entitled to be treated as single. If you have any shared finances you should separate them out.

Jeremy535897 · 1 May 2020 at 4:55PM

Ensure your social media is consistent with the facts.

Confusedfurlough · 2 May 2020 at 6:18AM

My sister and her boyfriend split up and were still living together for a while and she was able to claim UC while she was still living with him

Fire_Fox · 3 May 2020 at 11:17AM

You are entitled to claim benefits as a single person, sharing a property with your ex-partner. If you remain unsure do repost on the MSE House Buying Renting & Selling board.

The DWP can and do check up on such things; no doubt they are swamped and will not catch up for some time. However it would be wise to have your 'ducks in a row', to have your close family, close friends, social media (low key), maybe even your landlord aware of the situation.

As 'housemates' you will likely remain jointly and severally liable for rent and bills. That means if unpaid either of you could be chased for the full amount. So it is in your ex's best interest to pay essentials in full for now. You may wish to draw up an agreement.

HTH!