Benefits after divorce when in same house

[AlbertineViv]

ExDH and I divorced in December. We share the same house (but live separately) and children are at uni. It's amicable.

We haven't got tound to making our joint account single yet as we earn similar amounts and split all bills. As part of our divorce agreement we cannot sell the house until the children finish uni, nor do we want to (we want the children to have a base at least). Our mortgage is cheaper than both of us renting and neither of us could afford to buy anywhere with the sale of the house anyway as we still owe a bit. In short, it works financially for us both to live there.

I have just gound out I'm losing my long term job and may need to claim benefits in the interim until I can find another job (I"m in my 50s and applying but finding this hard atm) I understand this is possible when divorced but you need separate bank accounts and to show you live separately, separate lives etc. However, how the hell would ypu be able to show joint bills like the mortgage and council tax are divided?

Would it be best to:
A) retain a joint bank account for all bills with both of us paying half inyo this, though it is still a joint account which benefit people might not like?
B) Divide bills between solo accounts? One person has 4 bills amounting to ££ the other has an equal amount
C) one person converts joint account to dolo, retains all bills and the other pays them a monthly standing order for half?

Also, how soon after leaving my job would it take for benefits to be approved/come through?

If you're claiming Universal Credit then the application will ask about living arrangements and one of the options covers the situation of living with a former partner but leading separate lives.

Each case is looked at on its own facts; there's no 'bingo' solution. You're likely to be asked questions about your living arrangements either on the phone, via the Journal or face to face at the Job Centre.

You need to show you're two households, for example you keep finances separate and each of you eats your own food. Just explain how it is. Obviously, if you're splitting joint liabilities like utility bills, Council Tax etc then that's expected. Just the same if you'd never been in a relationship together but moved in with a friend.

While separate finances are a key indicator of two households having an 'household' joint account for bills etc shouldn't be a problem; again house sharers may do that.

I think these days most of these are 'uncontested' so far as DWP are concerned, particularly where the relationship was of long standing and there are adult offspring.

Bottom line is that if they insist it's a joint claim you can ask for a review and appeal to a Tribunal. If you get to that point come back here or go to CA or similar for advice.

Thanks. That's helpful. I'd prefer single accounts but not sure how we divide bills to prove separate finances - i.e. one has 3 bills in their account and the other the same? It makes sense for bills to be in one joint ccount but I don't know if friends/housemates do do that?

Another thought.

Would you be as well off, or not significantly worse off, claiming New Style Job Seekers Allowance rather than UC?

That's not means tested and is not related to relationship status - you just get £90/week or thereabouts.

I'd be fairly sure housemates, the organised long term sort, might have a joint household account.

Thanks Bromptotoo,

I'm trying to get up to speed on benefits and not sure if I can claim uc and JSA? I've no idea how to meet the mortgage payments and other bills on £90 a week either....

If you're potentially in the frame for UC speak to Help to Claim.

They'll do an exploration of your circs and tell you what you can get.

You can claim UC and NS JSA at the same time but UC reduces £/£ if you get other income replacement benefits. A single person, with no rent, no dependants and no health condition will get about £1.25/month UC to top up JSA.

Mortgage etc is talk to your lender territory.

Best bet is to claim New Style JSA - you get it for six months - and its an automatic payout, you dont wait weeks and they dont deep dive into savings and finances

Thanks all - I'll give them a call tomorrow