Universal Credit - when can I start claiming?

[Imnotwonderwoman]

Sorry if this is a daft question but if I move out of the family home following separation and buy a new place (which will be mortgaged) - can I start claiming UC immediately? I have seen the 39 week rule but I think that's just for second homes and mortgage interest loans. Is this correct?

[PicaK]

You can claim once you separate

[Mummymacd]

We had a joint claim with UC following lockdown. I messaged to ask when I can claim as a single person and they said from when I deem myself to be separated, so even though he isn’t still under the same roof , we are not a couple and I have changed the claim x

[Mummymacd]

That should say he is under same roof

[Imnotwonderwoman]

That’s really interesting @Mummymacd - I always worked on the assumption that I would have to have moved out of the house. We have been living separately since just before lockdown under the same roof but not financially.

[millymoo1202]

I thought you couldn’t claim if still under the same roof but no you can, I stupidly left it almost 6 months before enquiring

[FlowerAndBloom]

I also left it too long, it's as soon as you decide you are separate. If you rent instead of buy then you get some housing paid

[jigglypuffcookie]

I got told I couldn't claim as he is still in the same house? Is this wrong? Can I claim?

[cuntryclub]

Will you be able to get a mortgage with such a low income that you qualify for UC?

[Notrightbutok]

I had to claim when I got keys to my rented home even though I didn't move in until 2 weeks after as I had no furniture. I made it very clear to the advisor at my interview as I didn't want to get in trouble but they said I had to start my claim from that date in order to get housing benefit covered. I was still in my ex's house during that time.

[HooNoes]

You may be able to claim, but if you have a mortgage, they won't pay that, so how are you going to pay it?

[Mummymacd]

@jigglypuffcookie

I got told I couldn't claim as he is still in the same house? Is this wrong? Can I claim?

I was told directly by universal credit that you can claim as a single person when you deem you are separate.