I've had a lucky life and have no money worries so am a stranger to UC and benefits of any kind. I sincerely do not mean to offend anyone but could really benefit from the knowledge of those who have to manage on limited money.
I have a friend who I want to help. She's not British (permanent right to remain) and her English language skills aren't great and I'm concerned she may be wrong in her facts and assumptions.
She earns about 850 a month. She has two girls both under 12.
She is a HA joint tenant with her H who she wants to separate from. He refuses to give up the tenancy cos he's a bastard. So I've offered to fund her to get started renting privately, with a deposit and being her guarantor. I'm absolutely happy to help her get a place - it was my offer and she's very appreciative. But I don't want to inadvertently help her move out of the frying pan into the fire - and end up with a home that she cannot afford and then gets into debt etc.
Speaking to the Unemployment office (?) they showed us she'll get £x amount a month UC. That plus her earnings mean she'll have about £2650 a month. Private rent round here 2 bed is about £1200. Can she live, bring up her girls, run a car, on what is left? I doubt her H will contribute a penny. SE England.
Again, I'm sorry if this is insensitive or the wrong place to post. My gosh I've learned a few things today about life for other people, which have been quite an eye opener.