Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Money matters

Find financial and money-saving discussions including debt and pension chat on our Money forum. If you're looking for ways to make your money to go further, sign up to our Moneysaver emails here.

Original poster

UC awaiting mortgage payout

17 replies

Ducksinarow1987 · 22/04/2023 23:01

Hi, can I claim universal credit whilst renting and waiting for my ex to sell/ buy me out of my old house?

I never intended to leave before the payout but he has been abusive and vile and my mental health and personal safety is more important than sticking around

OP posts:
Shoelacesundone · 22/04/2023 23:03

I'm not an expert but there are no questions in the application process that prevent you.

The issue will be when that money hits your account you'll have more than £16k assets so you won't be entitled to UC.

CoozudBoyuPuak · 22/04/2023 23:17

Unless the home in question has very little equity, you probably already have more than £16k in assets don't you? Doesn't that make you ineligible?

GGBOY · 22/04/2023 23:18

I think uc gives you a certain period to sell the house , maybe 6 months . Also there may be exceptions to the rule . Best to check with a benefits advisor / CAB.

Darthwazette · 22/04/2023 23:22

I think you can claim, I claim and own (so the mortgage) my home. The tricky element is whether or not you will have rent covered if you own another priperty. Also once the house is sold the money won’t count as savings for 6 months if you intend to put it into another property.

Badbudgeter · 22/04/2023 23:22

I think you have 6 months too. Then once you have the money it will be exempt if you use it to buy another home. I think there are further exemptions / support if you are fleeing a relationship with domestic abuse.

Babyroobs · 22/04/2023 23:26

The equity you have in the property can be disregarded for 6 months if the property is up for sale. You need to let UC know about this but they should be able to disregard it and pay you rent element until it is sold. If you then have over 16k in equity, your UC would stop until savings fall below 16k again. If it takes longer than 6 months to sell then they do have the discretion to extend the disregard time but it would be up to a decision maker at the time.

Babyroobs · 22/04/2023 23:27

Shoelacesundone · 22/04/2023 23:03

I'm not an expert but there are no questions in the application process that prevent you.

The issue will be when that money hits your account you'll have more than £16k assets so you won't be entitled to UC.

The application asks if you own property I think?

Original poster
Ducksinarow1987 · 22/04/2023 23:32

Yes there is a domestic abuse element here.

Does anyone know a helpline I could call?

OP posts:
Badbudgeter · 23/04/2023 07:11

https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/already-claimed/domestic-abuse/

The dwp will help you if you’re suffering domestic abuse. First step call womens aid, they are knowledgeable about claiming benefits when you own a property in these circumstances. It also helps when you speak to your work coach( you will be assigned one when you claim) as it’s evidence of the abuse. They will ask something like are you receiving support. It’s easier if your answer is yes even if that support is just call us back if you want to talk.

Domestic abuse - Understanding Universal Credit

How jobcentres and Universal Credit can support you if you are the victim of domestic abuse

https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/already-claimed/domestic-abuse/

Badbudgeter · 23/04/2023 07:16

Not sure where you are in the UK but 08082000247 is a national domestic abuse helpline.

User0610139736 · 23/04/2023 07:25

Can I just add a similar question?
if you’re married and have left, but there are savings but not in your name (so I guess legally half yours but no access to them), are they taken into account for universal credit?

Badbudgeter · 23/04/2023 07:37

User0610139736 · 23/04/2023 07:25

Can I just add a similar question?
if you’re married and have left, but there are savings but not in your name (so I guess legally half yours but no access to them), are they taken into account for universal credit?

They aren’t your savings until you can access them. Your savings are money in your name and accounts you can access. Joint accounts, childrens accounts that you can access. I’d personally put down only the money I have access to but put a note in your journal to say you are divorcing and will be pursuing your husband for your share.

Original poster
Ducksinarow1987 · 25/04/2023 20:38

Any more insight on this? I'm terrified I will be left penniless and that he will sit in our house and delay paying me out. Praying I can claim. He's also now saying if I leave I have to pay half the mortgage here

OP posts:
PinkFootstool · 25/04/2023 20:48

@Ducksinarow1987 you need to make a few phone calls - the numbers above are excellent.

Are you named on the mortgage? Is there a risk he won't sell up and you'll need to force the sale?

And most importantly, are you safe? The most dangerous time for someone suffering domestic abuse is when you try to leave. Do you have someone who can help you get out the house when the time comes? Or a plan to leave while he's at work etc?

You might find quicker advice by doing an online chat with Women's Aid? Or look at their forums?
www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/

Badbudgeter · 25/04/2023 20:48

Well you are still jointly and severally liable for the mortgage. In practice if you fail to make payment the bank can go after you or him and can eventually repossess the house.

They tend to go after richer of the two. I personally would say I can’t afford it and ask that the house be sold. He can drag out the sale paying the full mortgage or get it sold quickly.

Original poster
Ducksinarow1987 · 25/04/2023 20:57

I am jointly named. My plan is to get everyone I know to help me get my stuff out. He's taken enough from me, he doesn't get my things too. I have an estimated date for keys on the 15th. I'm so scared. I will make those phone calls tomorrow. I just wish I had someone to help me do it all.

OP posts:
Original poster
Ducksinarow1987 · 25/04/2023 20:59

I think if I refuse to pay the mortgage he will try to control me in other ways like not paying towards childcare.

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page