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Original poster

UC advice

17 replies

CPx08 · 04/01/2025 11:03

Hi, my and my (ex) partner separated 18 months ago he moved out - I changed my UC claim to single claim.
We get on well and coparent but nothing more. His circumstances recently changed with his housing arrangements, I agreed he can move back here. I updated my UC to say he is now living with me (but not changed my claim to joint as he not a partner), I will still pay everything and it is all in my name he will just contribute to food, and things for the kids as he always has. He does not claim anything. Is this right or does it have to be a joint claim?

OP posts:
Blondeshavemorefun · 04/01/2025 11:16

I'm Pretty sure If he lives with you it would be joint

Unless he is going to pay you rent and be a lodger but doesn't sound like he's sound that

But sure someone will be able to confirm

aodirjjd · 04/01/2025 11:20

joint claim.Food and kids are household expenses.

Original poster
CPx08 · 04/01/2025 11:41

aodirjjd · 04/01/2025 11:20

joint claim.Food and kids are household expenses.

Even though he has always paid towards the kids, as they are his?
If he was living elsewhere he’d have to pay for his own food anyway…

I just thought with me still paying bills, rent, etc. If it was a joint claim his wage would affect what I get and I’d be getting monthly.

Technically nothing has changed, other than him living in the house and buying his own food?

OP posts:
Blondeshavemorefun · 04/01/2025 11:59

Sure anyone in the household they take their salary into account

lovepets · 04/01/2025 12:04

If you are separated from your partner but still living in the same house, you can still claim Universal Credit (UC) as a single person, but you need to clearly demonstrate to the DWP that you have "separate households" even though you share the same address; this means proving you are living completely separate lives financially and domestically, with separate finances and distinct living arrangements within the house.

Key points to remember:
• Proof of separation:
You will likely need to provide evidence of your separation, like a signed separation agreement, separate bank accounts, and distinct meal times or living areas within the house. 





• Financial separation:
Ensure you are not sharing any significant financial responsibilities, like joint bills or shopping. 





•

lovepets · 04/01/2025 12:04

Found the above online

Original poster
CPx08 · 04/01/2025 12:16

lovepets · 04/01/2025 12:04

If you are separated from your partner but still living in the same house, you can still claim Universal Credit (UC) as a single person, but you need to clearly demonstrate to the DWP that you have "separate households" even though you share the same address; this means proving you are living completely separate lives financially and domestically, with separate finances and distinct living arrangements within the house.

Key points to remember:
• Proof of separation:
You will likely need to provide evidence of your separation, like a signed separation agreement, separate bank accounts, and distinct meal times or living areas within the house. 





• Financial separation:
Ensure you are not sharing any significant financial responsibilities, like joint bills or shopping. 





•

Thank you.
I did read regardless whether he was non-dependant or a joint there would be a monthly deduction, just obviously not as much as it would be if his whole wage was taken in to consideration if he was a partner.

He works evenings/nights anyway so majority of the time I will be coming in from work and not long after he will be leaving. Therefore we don’t eat/sleep at the same times 9x/10. We’ve never shared bank accounts either.

I didn’t think it needed to be a joint one as it is my house, my bills, etc.

OP posts:
Bromptotoo · 04/01/2025 12:36

@CPx08 lovepets has it spot on.

If you and your ex live like house sharers without any evidence of family life then you're OK on a single claim. Quite often happens where, through force of circumstance, couples who have split up still live under the same roof.

If you and the ex eat together with the kids, share your domestic chores etc and might look to outsiders like a couple then it probably needs to be a joint claim.

Miepmiep · 04/01/2025 12:46

If you are genuinely living separately and can prove that, as PPs have suggested, you can claim as a single person but the housing element will be reduced as it is assumed he is paying his share of the rent. Be prepared that they may investigate to check that you are telling the the truth.

CharlotteCChapel · 04/01/2025 12:51

You'll probably be visited. If you can demonstrate you are not a couple it shouldn't a problem. You'll need separate bedrooms obviously. Then separate living space so he shouldn't be usung any areas that you use. In the kitchen you'll need separate foods and storage, all your food should be in different labelled cupboards. He should have hid own shelf/shelves in the fridge and freezer. No joint items so hell need to make sure he buys his own milk, butter etc

Original poster
CPx08 · 04/01/2025 12:53

Miepmiep · 04/01/2025 12:46

If you are genuinely living separately and can prove that, as PPs have suggested, you can claim as a single person but the housing element will be reduced as it is assumed he is paying his share of the rent. Be prepared that they may investigate to check that you are telling the the truth.

Thank you.

OP posts:
Bromptotoo · 04/01/2025 12:59

@CPx08 be wary of the I didn’t think it needed to be a joint one as it is my house, my bills, etc line. That's not how it works.

The test is whether you are seen as 'Living Together as a Married Couple'.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7575a740f0b6397f35e96f/adme4.pdf

Original poster
CPx08 · 04/01/2025 13:15

I think my safest option is to just speak to someone over the phone just to make sure I am doing it correct. Thank you for the replies.

OP posts:
Bromptotoo · 04/01/2025 13:23

You'll be lucky to get a yes/no reply becuase there's no binary 'switch' for LTAMC; it's all fact dependent.

OneForTheRoadThen · 04/01/2025 13:30

Need to do washing separately as well as meals etc. make sure you're not sharing the same Netflix account.

aodirjjd · 04/01/2025 13:42

I know on paper you can be separated but living together for UC but I think it’s very risky to try this. It’s one thing to do it when you are getting divorced/separating but it doesn’t look very convincing when you’ve moved back in together. In your position I would be worried about a fraud charge even if you are technically allowed to do what you are doing.

Original poster
CPx08 · 04/01/2025 15:49

aodirjjd · 04/01/2025 13:42

I know on paper you can be separated but living together for UC but I think it’s very risky to try this. It’s one thing to do it when you are getting divorced/separating but it doesn’t look very convincing when you’ve moved back in together. In your position I would be worried about a fraud charge even if you are technically allowed to do what you are doing.

Yes I suppose it’s hard to prove whether people are “together” or just living together.
It’s not a long term thing it’s to help
someone out whilst they find somewhere else to live. I will speak to them and discuss what’s the correct way to do things.

OP posts:
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