Becoming a newly single parent and applying for UC for the first time

ReturningDebtFreeWannabe

Hi,
I'm in the process of separating from my husband and my intention is to stay in the home we rent so that my child can stay in the same school. I work part-time, 3 days a week, from home. I've been on the calculator and am entitled to around £124 each week on UC. I just wanted to know if anyone could give me some advice on when to apply. My husband has not left yet but honestly, to say that money is going to be tight when I'm on my own is an understatement so I really need to make sure I know what I'm doing. Feeling very tearful about the whole situation so please be gentle. 
Do I wait until he has moved out to submit a claim? I know it takes 5 weeks so can I apply now for a 'future date' when we have agreed he will have left by?
What if I work overtime in my job one month? How do I make sure I don't get some awful repayment bill to make?
Any and all help would be really appreciated. I've never been in this situation before and to be honest I'm struggling to keep the tears back even as I'm typing this.
Thanks for your time x

poppy12345

You will need to wait until he's moved out before applying. You can't apply with a date in the future.

As you have a child then you'll have a work allowance of £292 per month, which means you can earn that amount of money before the 63% deductions will apply.

Although there's a 5 week wait for you first payment, you can ask for an advance payment byt do be aware this will need to be repaid back from future payments.

Also, if you're the only adult in the house then you'll be able to apply for 25% single person discount in your council tax.

SweetPotatoPie

Is there any way that you could save some of your wage before he moves out? As UC takes around 5 weeks to pay out? 

Will he be helping with the finances at all? 

I think that when you do overtime, they reduce the payment, Universal credit do not make it easy for people claiming. 

You will get through this and it will become easier. Big hugs x 

poppy12345

SweetPotatoPie said:

I think that when you do overtime, they reduce the payment, Universal credit do not make it easy for people claiming. 

How much UC they will be entitled to will depend on their circumstances. Earnings received during your assessment period will reduce the amount of UC they are entitled to. As the OP will have a work allowance then they will be able to earn £292 per month before the deductions apply.

UC suits some people, not everyone.

Rubyroobs

Be sure to claim child maintenance if your ex is working. It will not be counted as income for your Universal credit claim.

ReturningDebtFreeWannabe

Rubyroobs said:

Be sure to claim child maintenance if your ex is working. It will not be counted as income for your Universal credit claim.

Ah - I didn't realise this - thank you x

ReturningDebtFreeWannabe

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. Money is just so tight that I have only been able to put away a few hundred pounds and added to that is the £25,000 debt I'm trying to get my head around paying. It's all just such a bloody mess At least it looks as though I am entitled to something... I was worried at the pittance I had left after paying rent, bills, food etc. I just knew I wasn't going to be able to manage.
I've just tried looking at a loan to consolidate my debts (to reduce the monthly payment) but a default 4 years ago is making that look pretty impossible and the interest I'm paying is just awful, the balance is hardly moving xx

poppy12345

It maybe helpful to post over on the debt free wannabe part of the forum. https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/categories/debt-free-wannabe

Fairyeggs

I went through the same 2 years ago. Wait till your Husband move out, in my case I move out of the family home. (Another story)
You get a single parent allowance
you rent so you will get housing benefits too
you also should get working allowance too...
Also apply for council Tax reduction... not just as a single person discount. Each council different. I get single parent discount and more (Don’t know why!! think it because I pay childminding fees, which I also get 85% back) I pay £23 a month C Tax.  
I think £124 not right but then I don't know what your earnings are.
I now moved back to family home and no longer get housing benefits due to owning our home, but I still get more than £124 a month UC and work 30 hours a week.
Is the debt yours or both, he should pay some if both. If not keeps record of what you pay, as when you do the finacial clean break order you might be able to reclaim half you paid. I don't know if you can, but I’m still separated as we both can’t afford a clean break order and divorce yet so hoping keeping records will help me reclaim some back when the time comes.
As other said it get easier. Were now amcible and im happier.

poppy12345

Fairyeggs said:

You get a single parent allowance
you rent so you will get housing benefits too

Single parent allowance? New claims for housing benefit are no long possible for the other person and they will have to claim Universal Credit. This applies to most people, unless they are claiming a severe disability premium in another benefit.

Fairyeggs

sorry standard allwence as you are single.
I claimed UC and housing benefits was listed on there, it still exist but part of UC, Just all the old benefits listed under UC .. It says on the breakdown
standard allowence because you single ££££
Support for child £££
Housing benefits £££
and if you pay for CM then that will show up.