Separation and UC

[VespaBlue]

I’m in a very unhappy relationship of ten years- we have two small children. We live in South London in rented accommodation. I feel trapped financially and unable to leave. I earn £35,000 and work full time. Rented accommodation in this area for a 2 bed starts at around 2k per month which is only slightly less than my earnings after tax and other deductions. I know that I could move to a cheaper area outside London but we have roots here, kids go to school, have lived in the area for years etc and hoping my soon to be ex and I can live close to each other to make things easier for the kids.
I think I would be entitled to universal credit but what I can’t work out is how to actually leave. I don’t think I’d be able to claim UC until I’m in the rented accommodation but I won’t be able to afford the rented flat until I have the UC. Not sure how much child maintenance I’d be able to claim as partner is between jobs although think I’d get something.
Any advice would be appreciated. Feeling trapped.
Thank you

Run your details through "entitled to" and "turn to us"

Both are very accurate
You need to look up the local authority "allowed" rent for a 2 bed in your area. UC only pay a certain amount rather than what LL's are charging.

CMS calculator for child maintenance

What densol57 said OP plus if you still need guidance speak to Citizens Advice. Good luck 😊

Thank you. Citizens Advice probably a good idea. What I can’t get my head around is how I am going to be able to rent by myself. When LL checks salary they’ll see it’s not enough and I won’t be claiming UC at this point as won’t be eligible until I move out of current home. Also do LLs tend to favour people not on UC, even though the law means they can’t officially do this? 🤯
How do I make the actual transition from where I am living to somewhere new?

You can apply to your council for help towards a deposit if they allow it.
councils will have a list of preferred landlords too that will accept those on benefits.

Thanks. This is good to know.

As others have said councils may be able to help with upfront deposit but it may depend on income. You may need to be prepared to move to a cheaper area. Uc can also help with childcare costs.