Universal credit - Child Element eligability

THam20

Hello all, 
Apologies if this is a duplicated subject!
I am a separated Father of three children, and would like to add them to my universal credit claim.

I am stuck as the universal credit team are saying that because child benefit isn't awarded to me I am ineligible, I have read a few articles online, that state whilst Child benefit is the default method of checking eligibility, other forms of evidence can be used. the children's mother will not transfer child benefit to me, and does not currently claim UC.

I am currently stuck, earning slightly above minimum wage, full time, which rules me out of any support towards legal costs, so cannot get a court to formally outline our childcare arrangement, and my ex partner will not attend any form of mediation or discuss Child benefit, or anything else.


I Currently have the children 2 nights a week. and at present the main reason for me not being able to have them closer to 50/50 is my living arrangement - I live with parents as i Cannot afford a house big enough for three kids without Universal credits help.

Some evidence I have been looking to collect as evidence of shared parental responsibility is,
 - Letters from schools confirming I am a primary Guardian.
 - Letter from our dentist, where I am listed as sole guardian and they are registered at my address.
 - Passports - the Children's Passports were applied for by me, and were sent to, and registered at my current address.

I am looking for further support or information from anyone else who is, or has been in a similar situation!

thank you thank you.

RunsFromRobots

THam20 said:

I Currently have the children 2 nights a week. and at present the main reason for me not being able to have them closer to 50/50 is my living arrangement - I live with parents as i Cannot afford a house big enough for three kids without Universal credits help.

I'm sorry to hear of your situation, but that doesn't sound like they are living with you. Therefore you will not receive benefits for them.

kaMelo

You can only claim for children who live with you.. Think things like what address is registered with their school, doctor, dentist etc.

If they officially live with their mother then, unfortunately you are not eligible to claim for them.

marcia_

 Until you are in your own more suitable accommodation and the kids living with you the majority of the time you are not entitled to the child element. Only having them 2 nights means their home is with mother.