Separating and Universal credit

[Jam291]

Hi all, looking for a bit of advice as I’m feeling a bit lost with this.

My STBEXH and I have separated but are still living under the same roof for now, until I’m in a position to move out. We have two children, one of whom has SEN, so I only work part-time to be able to support them properly.

Current situation:

• We own the house (mortgage in place)
• He covers most of the household costs, and I transfer him a set amount each month
• The plan is for him to take on the house, and for me to move out when I can afford to

I’m wondering if I’d be able to apply for Universal Credit in the meantime, given we’re separated but still living together? And whether it’s even worth applying in this situation?

If anyone has been in a similar position or understands how this works, I’d really appreciate any guidan

Hi yes you can do, but won't get any help with mortgage payments. I'm assuming you've got the children so why aren't you staying in the house?

You won’t get any help for housing, if you move out they will give you a time limit usually 6 months to sell the house or him to buy you out, they will start counting it as an asset an then it gets terribly complicated.

Will he be buying you out of your share of the house? What’s the timeline for that?

Yes, he is going to buy me out. Likely by end of July.

i cannot afford the mortgage on my own so im happy with this choice.

Have a word with Help to Claim. They can explain your options on UC. You can claim as a single person while living with an ex but you'll need to be able to show UC you live as two households.

Usually that means things like separate food, not eating together and having separate finances. I think if you just transfer cash to him without any joint account you'd be OK on finances.

You've got six months disregard of joint property following estrangement. After that there can be further time provided you can show steps are in process to dispose of your share.