housing element/universal credit

[Freddie15VES]

i currently co own a property with my ex/children’s dad. it is up for sale and has been for a couple of weeks now. i have seen a house i would like to rent in an area really close to my family and my sons future school. i don’t really want to miss out on this house as it feels like a perfect fit but just at a slightly poor timing!

i spoke to my UC advisor and he did state that as long as there is a tenancy agreement in place then i can claim the housing element of UC also. but that they would have to take into account the property we’re in at the moment. my ex would move into the house whilst it sells and i would go on to mine and the children’s new place and set up/get us all settled in

has anyone done this before? if they know we’re selling the home and im no longer living there then surely ill be able to get some support no?

It sounds fine. You could check with ghe gingerbread helpline they are great 0808 802 0925.

So there's one house you and ex co-own and it's on the market?

If that's the case it can be disregarded for 6 months following estrangement and also while it's on the market or steps are being taken to that end. UC Regs Sch 10 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/376/schedule/10.

It's best you have a proper tenancy agreement.

Don't get me started on DWP staff's ignorance around 'informal tenancies'.

hi @Bromptotoo yes that’s right. it was SSTC but unfortunately the buyer withdrew the offer after a week or so annoyingly. but i just need to have some stability and the unknown of where we’re going to live is really hard!