Housing benefit/universal credit before moving house?

mmm111

Hi, I have a question on behalf of a friend.

Her and her husband have separated but are still living together in a private rented flat. She wants to move out to be closer to family. They have one child who will move with her.

She's on a low income and from putting her details into an online benefits calculator would certainly be entitled to universal credit (in fact I think they are entitled as a couple at the moment but have never claimed any benefits apart from child benefit). The question is, can she apply to the council as a single applicant so that she can show prospective landlords proof of entitlement? Or does she have to move in somewhere first and then apply? Since landlords and estate agents require proof of enough income to afford the rent, this seems like a bit of an impossible situation.

She also wants to move into a different council area to the one she's currently in - will that make any difference?

Thanks in advance

calcotti

mmm111 said: Her and her husband have separated but are still living together in a private rented flat. She wants to move out to be closer to family. They have one child who will move with her.

She's on a low income and from putting her details into an online benefits calculator would certainly be entitled to universal credit (in fact I think they are entitled as a couple at the moment but have never claimed any benefits apart from child benefit). 

She can claim UC now and can claim as a single person if she is separated. Will need to post note on UC journal explaining circumstances and is  likely to be asked question s to establish whether the separation is genuine. Do her and her ex have separate rooms?

mmm111 said:.. can she apply to the council as a single applicant so that she can show prospective landlords proof of entitlement? Or does she have to move in somewhere first and then apply? Since landlords and estate agents require proof of enough income to afford the rent, this seems like a bit of an impossible situation.

Universal Credit is claimed from the government not the council.
The amount of UC payable will depend on the rent liability.

mmm111 said: She also wants to move into a different council area to the one she's currently in - will that make any difference?

No.

mmm111

calcotti said:

mmm111 said: Her and her husband have separated but are still living together in a private rented flat. She wants to move out to be closer to family. They have one child who will move with her.

She's on a low income and from putting her details into an online benefits calculator would certainly be entitled to universal credit (in fact I think they are entitled as a couple at the moment but have never claimed any benefits apart from child benefit). 

She can claim UC now and can claim as a single person if she is separated. Will need to post note on UC journal explaining circumstances and is  likely to be asked question s to establish whether the separation is genuine. Do her and her ex have separate rooms?

mmm111 said:.. can she apply to the council as a single applicant so that she can show prospective landlords proof of entitlement? Or does she have to move in somewhere first and then apply? Since landlords and estate agents require proof of enough income to afford the rent, this seems like a bit of an impossible situation.

Universal Credit is claimed from the government not the council.
The amount of UC payable will depend on the rent liability.

mmm111 said: She also wants to move into a different council area to the one she's currently in - will that make any difference?

No.

That's helpful thanks, so it seems like the best way would be to apply now and then move after it's all been sorted out? They don't have separate rooms as they only have a two bed flat and a child.

poppy12345

As they don't have separate rooms be prepared for questions to be asked regarding their relationship.

calcotti

mmm111 said: They don't have separate rooms as they only have a two bed flat and a child.

Will be very difficult to convince DWP that they are separated if they still sleep together. They would also need to separate their financial affairs.