Universal credit

[Harv1991]

Hi
Has anyone been in a similar situation? My ex has declared that he's been advised he can claim universal credit and is entitled to half of what I receive each month...he is a brilliant dad however doesn't have DS an equal amount of time...he works on a rolling 4 on 4 off and tends to turn up about midday and brings him home by 6pm and occasionally has DS over 1 night a week....if he's entitled to half that's fine but I don't feel this is fair he lives with his Dad doesn't have to pay bills doesn't give me anything each month etc
Just wondering where I stood as if I lose half each month it will kill me
Thanks all
X

AFAIK a parent has to have the child at least 3nights a week to be entitled to half.

I don't understand your post.

I am assuming you don't live with your child's dad?

He may be entitled to claim UC but this has nothing to do with your benefits. He will have his own claim. He doesn't get to have half of your benefits. That is rubbish if that's what he has told you.

I am struggling to understand your arrangements re your child but believe you are saying you are the main carer ie your child is with you the majority of the time.

In this case two things should happen. Benefits wise you can include your child within your benefit claims and you should receive the child benefit. In addition. Your ex should be paying some maintenance. This may be a minimal amount if he is on benefits and doesn't work. The child maintenance he pays will be disregarded for the purpose of calculating your benefits.

If you are the main cater you don't have to give him any money at all.

Hope that's what you meant and that clarifies things.

He wouldnt be entitled to half of your benefits. As you are the main carer, use the Child Maintenance Calculator to work out what you should receive towards your child from HIM.

If he works 4 on, 4 off and is on a low income, he may be able to claim UC form himself but that is irrespective of your finances. As he is in employment he has a legal financial responsibility for his child.

If he has the child less than 52 nights per year, you will.be entitled to more maintenance, it is worked out on a sliding scale.

Your ex can declare whatever he wants but your UC claim is yours to be used as needed to take care of you and your child.

If he looked after the child more than 50% of the time so would be considered resident parent then he could claim child benefits...but he clearly doesn't do this so has no claim. As others have said...he should actually be paying you maintenance if care isn't split 50/50.

You are the resident parent, you claim child benefits and include your DC in your claim for any housing entitlement etc.

Your ex needs better sources if his are telling him such crap!

Thank you all so much
I think he says these things to wind me up and stress me out he would love nothing better than to see me fail
Appreciate all your advice xx