Can I claim UC benefits if I live with ex?

[erinsshoe]

Have split with ex but he has offered that I stay at his place until I can save to leave. We have a DD at childcare in the area and I'm on the waiting list for council housing (London).

I'm having to leave my job which is 1 hour away and zero hours btw so I can have some money coming to feed me and DD/buy clothes and take her out/save. I didn't pay anything towards ex when together except for food and occasional money towards rent, even then I was still/am poor.

I'm very stressed from zero hours and have no relevant or up to date qualifications to just waltz in to a decently paid job. I'm miserable on top of that and it shows in my face so not the best person for customer service roles.

Would UC allow me to claim and pay rent/bills towards ex whilst still under the same roof?

I'm mean by putting in a single claim, because well I am single

Anyone? Just a quick answer

It's really best to call them and ask. They can go through your circumstances properly

Well I was wondering if anyone had done the same on here. I just want to do an online application but that might raise suspicion I'm don't want to commit fraud unintentionally

If you give your job up then you will have to wait a certain time before you can claim anything. Not UC but I know my friend was able to claim tax credits as a single person when she was living with her husband.

I believe you can. You could under tax credits so hopefully it will be the same. How old is your daughter? You might not be penalised for quitting work.

Just be aware they penalise you for up to 20 weeks for leaving work

She's 3 years old. I can't cope at the moment my mental health is suffering

It takes me 1 hour to get to work and I pay £40/week for a travel card. Luckily enough extol has DD for 1 day and my mum has her for half a day so I work. I think I only make £20 to spare after expenses and I save that for a day out. £70 of my wage also goes for 1 full day at the childminders so I do pay for that extra day on top of 15 hours

I’m currently living with exDP until our house sells.
When I called Tax Credit and explained this to them they said that I could claim as a single person, as long as all our finances were separate and we live separately within the home i.e. separate bedrooms, buy food and cook separately etc. I also sent a letter explaining all this (and kept a photocopy) so they couldn’t turn round in future and say I didn’t inform them properly.
So I was awarded as a single person.

My area changed over to UC at Halloween. When filling in the application form online I couldn’t find anywhere to state that ex lives with me until the house sells.
I called the helpline and was told to write it in the journal at the end. I offered to send proof that the house was for sale but they haven’t asked for it.
I said I just want to be as transparent as possible as obviously I don’t want to owe any money or be given money I’m not entitled to.
So after the 5 week wait I was awarded the correct amount for a single parent of 2.

I’m not sure what way it would work re. rent. You would be best to phone them and explain the circumstances.

Has your ex asked for rent money? Or money towards bills?

If you are genuinely separated then you can claim UC as a single person. Just make sure you declare this when you attend your appt at the job centre. You are unlikely to get help towards rent unless you are on the tenancy. If you were livin with boyfriend before and now want to claim towards rent as a lodger, that may be tricky so I would go to citizens advice to get some proper advice on that.

If he asks you to leave, and you leave with your child, then you could make a homelessness application at your local council and get housed that way. This would mutually be emergency accommodation which could be out of area and with limited facilities. After this you are likely to be temporary accommodation until permanent accommodation is found. This also could be out of area. All accommodation should be suitable.

Yes he has asked for money towards rent and bills. That's why I'm out earning a crap wage to try and contribute. He earns around 45k and has investments and assets. I tried to claim as a couple but he never got round to finishing the claim. I tried 3 times. He said in a strop when my savings had almost depleted that he doesn't want to pay for my life. He spends lots of money on DD to go to activities yet cant spare £30 for a food shop.

That's why we have separated, because he wants to see me suffer. But he's doing me a favour by letting me live there until I get a place.

Temp accommodation out of area? For how long?

What will he do if UC won’t give you money for the rent?

If you are on housing list London I doubt you will get anything any time soon so would come up with a plan B

Not sure about UC but you could do it with tax credits. You CAN'T claim the housing benefit part of it though when you are living in the same house as him. So you will NOT get help towards rent.

As a single parent with one child you will get around £150pw.

Just looked up tax credits. Can't get it will have to claim UC.

I don't know what he will do. He just wants extra money foe himself

All you can do is apply and see what you are entitled to. Explain to your ex that they won’t help with the rent, but you can help towards other bills like electric.

Your ex is a dick and I hope you get sorted x