Any universal credits experts able to help?

[Puddlejuice]

I'm splitting up with my DP, and according to the Entitled to website may be eligible for UC, which is a huge relief.
I'm totally confused about the housing part though, we own a house, jointly, which is mortgaged. DP will be staying in it for the time being, and I'll be renting. Will I still be eligible for the UC or will they look at the equity in the family home, even though its tied up?
Also, is it allowed to rent a home from a family member and be supported by UC?
Thanks in advance, I'm trying to get my ducks in a line as we like to say on here!

As I understand it they will disregard the equity for 6 months and will help you with rent. In the longer term they will expect the house to be sold and equity divided or for him to buy you out if he is staying there. Any capital/ equity over 6k will reduce your Uc and anything over 16k will stop it altogether. If the equity is going towards another house purchase I think it can be disregarded.

Sorry just saw the second part about renting from a family member. If doing this you would have to prove that the relative would treat you as any other tenant ,you need a proper tenancy agreement and if the property hasn't been rented before then it could be viewed as a contrived tenancy so you need to be careful.

Yes, this is correct. If you are not living in the mortgaged home because you have separated - you can claim a housing allowance for a rented property. You will be asked questions about being related to the landlord. Just be honest, it will help if you can show your deposit in the regulated scheme, a commercial tenancy agreement and rent payment . (All the things you would do with a standard landlord).

This issue may well be referred to a 'decision maker' . This is someone in the DWP who interprets your situation against the provisions of the Social Security Acts in order to decide if you qualify. If for any reason they refuse you - you can always ask for a reconsideration and then an appeal. If still not happy with the outcome you can pursue your claim in a social security tribunal.

The amount you will get is set under the LHA rates. They are all different depending on your postcode. They will pay the appropriate amount for your circumstances (bedroom allowance) and area.

Link to bedroom calculator and housing allowance rates.

lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/

They will pay the listed rate OR the actual rent. Whichever is lower.

Thank you all so much, it's great to know that there will be support available for dc and I until things settle down and we find a new normal.

Am I right in assuming it will be much more straightforward if I find a rental, move, then claim? Rather than try to claim whilst still living together?

Puddlejuice I don't think you can claim for housing until you have a tenancy agreement, as they will need proof that you are actually renting and how much your rent is, in usual times I would suggest you see if your local council has a homeless prevention team, they are not there just to help homeless people but can give general advice including a list of LLs willing to take people on benefits and if a person qualifies they can help with a deposit but they may not be doing this during covid-19

Yes, whilst not IMPOSSIBLE to claim whilst still living together, it's a LOT easier if you move, rent then claim.