Universal credit

[PeppyCyanPanda]

Hi, I am currently a single parent and lived on my own, with my children for years. My question is, I am hoping to move in with my partner, however, will I be better off, or worse? Will I/we still receive support from Universal credit as a working couple with 2 children?

Thank you.

Your partners earnings will be taken into consideration. So depends on what your partner earns

If you live together as a couple then you will have to make your claim(s) into a joint one. Availability of UC will depend on your combined income and household and whether you pay rent.

https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/

Have a look on the turn2us website. Do one calculation for as you are now, then one with his information.

Show the results to your partner, and have a very open conversation about how your finances will work.

There is an expectation that he will contribute to the finances so universal credit will go down considerably. This means that unless he contributes, your children will be worse off.

Have a look at the budget planner tool on the Money Helper website. Sit down and make a realistic budget.

And think about how you will be housed if you split up. I would advise against giving up a social housing tenancy as you will struggle to get another one. And also against putting him on the tenancy, as you will be screwed if you need to move him out.