Universal Credit whilst living with ex...

marksandygill

So I'm aware that it is possible to claim UC whilst still living with my ex (separate bedrooms, bank accounts apart from joint account for mortgage etc), but has anyone actually done it?
Do they carry out extra checks, a few years ago when living alone it was simple but I can't imagine it being like that this time?!

poppy12345

Yes it's possible but be prepared for DWP to want proof that you're not living as a couple. Not sure what what affect having the joint account for the mortgage will be though.

xxxxxxxx

Separate bills, separate shopping, separate cooking, separate toothpaste ....

Separated means separated  

calcotti

See 
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/661551/adme4.pdf

E4035, E4098 may be particularly relevant.

Also
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1040207/adme2.pdf
E2006

I don’t think the joint mortgage is an insurmountable obstacle. It clearly isn’t a commitment that can be immediately ended, however I expect you will need to be able to explain what steps you are taking to deal with it. (are you selling up or is one of you seeking to buy the other out).

marksandygill

Yeah guess the example from that would be the closest;

'Andy and Aniza are estranged and continue to live in the same house. They do not financially support each other or share domestic and social activities. One partner is reluctant to leave, until a satisfactory financial agreement has been reached with the other partner. They each have separate households and as such each claim UC as a single person'

However working part time and looking after the kids, I can't support myself financially and pay (as I'm presuming I should) half of the mortgage and bills without UC!?
With my wife seeing someone else I guess they could interview him...

calcotti

marksandygill said: However working part time and looking after the kids, I can't support myself financially and pay (as I'm presuming I should) half of the mortgage and bills without UC!?

With my wife seeing someone else I guess they could interview him...

As advised before you need to be thinking about how you are going to go about dealing with the marital home and the mortgage. 

I agree that the example you quote directly addresses our situation.

I realise that when you started the thread you were probably hoping that someone who has gone through the process could give you the benefit of their practical experience dealing with DWP.  I can't help with that.

marksandygill

calcotti said:

marksandygill said: However working part time and looking after the kids, I can't support myself financially and pay (as I'm presuming I should) half of the mortgage and bills without UC!?

With my wife seeing someone else I guess they could interview him...

As advised before you need to be thinking about how you are going to go about dealing with the marital home and the mortgage. 

I agree that the example you quote directly addresses our situation.

I realise that when you started the thread you were probably hoping that someone who has gone through the process could give you the benefit of their practical experience dealing with DWP.  I can't help with that.

Yeah, basically until we sell the house and I go back to work full time I can't afford a house, my wife and new man need to save before they can buy a place so selling at the moment wouldn't work, whether or not the DWP will see it that way I don't know!

Thanks for the help though!

poppy12345

marksandygill said:

However working part time and looking after the kids, I can't support myself financially and pay (as I'm presuming I should) half of the mortgage and bills without UC!?
With my wife seeing someone else I guess they could interview him...

Before claiming UC you should use a benefits calculator. You won't receive any help with the mortgage. As a single person if over 25 you'll be entitled to £324.84 per month maximum UC entitlement. Earnings received during your assessment period will reduce this by 55%. Depending on how much you earn there maybe no entitlement to UC.

Spoonie_Turtle

poppy12345 said:

marksandygill said:

However working part time and looking after the kids, I can't support myself financially and pay (as I'm presuming I should) half of the mortgage and bills without UC!?
With my wife seeing someone else I guess they could interview him...

Before claiming UC you should use a benefits calculator. You won't receive any help with the mortgage. As a single person if over 25 you'll be entitled to £324.84 per month maximum UC entitlement. Earnings received during your assessment period will reduce this by 55%. Depending on how much you earn there maybe no entitlement to UC.

Possibly child element too, depending on how that's worked out within the family (based on the comment "looking after the kids").

xxxxxxxx

Whose name is on the deeds of the house and the mortgage?

marksandygill

xxxxxxxx said:

Whose name is on the deeds of the house and the mortgage?

Joint mortgage so both of our names, hence why I have to and want to pay half!

Calculator wise I've been through it before and was on UC several years ago when my wife moved out, I imagine I would claim child element as I am part time and the primary carer?!

I found claiming very easy that time, just trying to gauge how much harder it will be this time!😄