Universal Credit - new claim and divorce

funkygal

Never claimed Universal Credit before.

Living with soon to be ex with two young children. Want to move into private rented with the children but need UC to top up my income. But when I apply for a tenancy, I won't have prove of UC as I you need the tenancy agreement before claiming UC, is this correct? I feel like it's a catch 22 situation, I won't have prove of income for the landlord but I won't have prove of tenancy for UC. How would I go about this?

House is jointly mortgage but I know this capital can be disregarded for a limited amount of time due a breakup. Correct me if I'm wrong. 

I don't really think I can claim UC right now as I don't think UC will believe that I'm getting divorced/sperated as we still share fridge and bedroom etc (yes I know!) and STBX is covering the mortgage and bills as I simply don't earn enough. I'm paying for childcare. Can I show solicitor letters or divorce proceedings/mediation emails to show UC as prove of separation/divorce? 

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

sammyjammy

You are still in both practical and monetary terms a couple albeit a divorcing one so I don't think you are currently eligible for UC.  What is happening to the property?  Is ex staying in it?  Is their an option for you to stay with the children?

KxMx

You can try a claim for UC now, but it's not possible to claim for Housing Element until after you've moved in. 

There is a maximum amount paid for HE and this will be linked to your Local Housing Allowance rates. Often this won't cover the full rent. 


https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/

funkygal

sammyjammy said:

You are still in both practical and monetary terms a couple albeit a divorcing one so I don't think you are currently eligible for UC.  What is happening to the property?  Is ex staying in it?  Is their an option for you to stay with the children?

We are planning to sell it. Ex would stay in it until then. Hoping to share the children 50/50.

Muttleythefrog

I would slightly disagree with the advice above on what you should be considered as. You're single.. not part of a couple any more... the fact you live in the same property is something however that complicates potentially convincing them you are a separate household.. especially if some features of sharing bedroom still exist.... but you are already taking legal and practical measures to leave the relationship and property. I had no difficulty persuading UC my estranged wife and I were separating after many years of marriage and remaining in same property (the intention was for me to move out but a few days after applying for separation I was found to have cancer leaving me stuck still to this day)... I stated that we'd applied for legal separation which ultimately was granted months later.

funkygal

Muttleythefrog said:

I would slightly disagree with the advice above on what you should be considered as. You're single.. not part of a couple any more... the fact you live in the same property is something however that complicates potentially convincing them you are a separate household.. especially if some features of sharing bedroom still exist.... but you are already taking legal and practical measures to leave the relationship and property. I had no difficulty persuading UC my estranged wife and I were separating after many years of marriage and remaining in same property (the intention was for me to move out but a few days after applying for separation I was found to have cancer leaving me stuck still to this day)... I stated that we'd applied for legal separation which ultimately was granted months later.

Thank you, I keep reading conflicting views on this I appreciate my situation is not straight forward. 

Did you have to prove to UC or did they go by your word? Sorry about your cancer, that must be tough. 

Muttleythefrog

funkygal said:

Muttleythefrog said:

I would slightly disagree with the advice above on what you should be considered as. You're single.. not part of a couple any more... the fact you live in the same property is something however that complicates potentially convincing them you are a separate household.. especially if some features of sharing bedroom still exist.... but you are already taking legal and practical measures to leave the relationship and property. I had no difficulty persuading UC my estranged wife and I were separating after many years of marriage and remaining in same property (the intention was for me to move out but a few days after applying for separation I was found to have cancer leaving me stuck still to this day)... I stated that we'd applied for legal separation which ultimately was granted months later.

Thank you, I keep reading conflicting views on this I appreciate my situation is not straight forward. 

Did you have to prove to UC or did they go by your word? Sorry about your cancer, that must be tough. 

They accepted my description of the situation... as did the council when I reported changes to them for council tax (support) purposes.. but both were existing claims. My estranged wife recently had a randomised UC review 'to see if her payments were correct' which many get.. it's common.. and they were not interested in me except for some payments appearing on her bank statements relating to IT equipment I purchased off her in a few instalments.

Cancer... well.. marriage can be harder...lol... thanks for the sentiments!