Universal credit & leaving partner

[ladybird1807]

Evening all, this is my first time posting :-)

My partner and I are separating and I'll be moving out shortly with my son. Can I apply for Universal Credit when I haven't moved yet? I'm not sure how it works.

Please seek advice.

Talk with a decent local lawyer pronto. Find out about child support and custody arrangements for your children too. File for divorce just in case. Also please see a therapist. Preferably one with experience with children. Best of luck.

Try contacting the law society for further advice and support. If you have any other questions please feel free to message me. I can recommend a therapist.

Thanks for your reply. We're not married and we rent the property we're in at the moment. My son isn't my partner's so there's no need for custody arrangements. I just wanted to know that if I found a flat I could apply for UC before I move in.

You could apply for Uc before you move in and then add the housing/ rent element when you move into your new property, but if you are still living with your partner it may be tricky ( although not impossible) to make a single claim now. You will not be able to make the claim for rent element until you have your new tenancy agreement. It takes 5 weeks form making a UC claim online to actually getting any money. You can apply for an advance to help with paying rent in the meantime. This is usually offered at the first ID appointment, although I'm not sure it's always offered if you work.