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AIBU?

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Original poster

Would I be entitled to much help?

39 replies

YaB · 26/10/2024 22:29

In a nutshell, partner cheated so we’ve separated. I get DLA for DD and carers allowance, she has an EHCP.

I know there’s UC but I’ve never claimed before so no idea what I’d be entitled to. I can’t stay in family home as it’s rented and it’s too much.

I can’t ask anyone as I don’t know anyone in this exact situation.

I own a one bed flat that I rent out so that classes as income so I can’t work at the moment due to my child’s SEN. Think special unit at school

Can anyone advise please?

TIA

OP posts:
Sometimeswinning · 26/10/2024 23:15

Livelovebehappy · 26/10/2024 23:07

it obviously must be a very distressing for OP. Splitting with a partner, whatever the circumstances is a traumatic life changing event. But I can’t believe that someone who actually owns a property outright, with clearly thousands invested in that asset, would actually think they’re entitled to any government help.

I imagine the op has panicked. I’d do the same.

Livelovebehappy · 26/10/2024 23:07

it obviously must be a very distressing for OP. Splitting with a partner, whatever the circumstances is a traumatic life changing event. But I can’t believe that someone who actually owns a property outright, with clearly thousands invested in that asset, would actually think they’re entitled to any government help.

cadburyegg · 26/10/2024 22:49

I'm a single parent claiming some UC. You will not be entitled to it if you own a flat that you rent out.

Any savings over £16k, or "capital" which includes property you don't live in, will be taken into account and you won't be eligible.

You'd be better off selling the flat and using the money as a deposit on a home to live in. You'd be entitled to help with UC then, although not the housing element.

ShiningforLeeBertie · 26/10/2024 22:48

lexi873 · 26/10/2024 22:37

I thought you’d be entitled to UC just not the housing element if you own a property.

The Entitled to website will tell you for sure.

No, owning a property you dont live in counts as capital, and assuming its worth over £16k that will put you over the threshold for claiming UC.

Original poster
YaB · 26/10/2024 22:44

Seasideresort · 26/10/2024 22:30

You would have to move into your one bed flat to claim UC. You can't claim it otherwise because of owning the flat.

I did wonder about that, but It’s rented out and has been for the last 6 years so I didn’t think that would be allowed as it would mean making the tenants homeless?

Do you think that would be ok? If so it’s certainly a solution, though if I’d be worried about them.

It is owned outright (it was bought cheap years ago) and we could live there rent free but the poor tenant 😔 though I realise the state won’t be arsed about that family

OP posts:
NunyaBeeswax · 26/10/2024 22:39

I had a buy to let.

There was a split with an ex and mortgage and a whole thing..

I rented out the house and had a mortgage.
The income was less than the mortgage though. I still claimed UC. I can't recall the house affecting the claim. Hut obviously if OP owns the flat outright, that's a different situation and things might be different nowadays, my by toilet got sold 7 years ago at least.

lexi873 · 26/10/2024 22:37

I thought you’d be entitled to UC just not the housing element if you own a property.

The Entitled to website will tell you for sure.

withgraceinmyheart · 26/10/2024 22:34

I missed the bit about owning a flat. As PP said you’d have to live in that to claim UC and you wouldn’t get help with the rent on the house you’re in

withgraceinmyheart · 26/10/2024 22:32

I’m so sorry you’re going through this. There are a few calculators online that would be helpful

eg https://www.entitledto.co.uk

You could also ring citizens advice. Check what help you’re entitled to with your rent before you commit to
moving.

Benefits Calculator - entitledto - independent | accurate | reliable | www.entitledto.co.uk

Check what benefit entitlement you are entitled to. The entitledto benefits calculator will check which means-tested benefits you may be entitled to e.g. tax credits, universal credit, housing benefit …

https://www.entitledto.co.uk

NunyaBeeswax · 26/10/2024 22:32

The best thing I can suggest is to go to:

www.entitledto.co.uk/

Fill it all out as best you can and it should give an idea.

IVFmumoftwo · 26/10/2024 22:31

You would have to live in the flat you rent out otherwise it will be classed as capital and you won't receive UC.

SENehcpHELP · 26/10/2024 22:31

Go on entitledto website and put all your details in and it’ll show if you’re entitled to anything

CoastalCalm · 26/10/2024 22:30

There’s a website online ‘entitledto’ which could give you an indication

Seasideresort · 26/10/2024 22:30

You would have to move into your one bed flat to claim UC. You can't claim it otherwise because of owning the flat.