Am I entitled to universal credit

Confusedmum74858 · 2026-01-08T00:38:32+00:00

So.. as the title says but it’s a complicated situation so bare with me… me and my now ex have separated. Been together 10 years, 3 children. I live in the North of England and for most of the duration of our relationship he’s worked in London throughout the week and only been home on weekends. He owns the property I live in and pays all the household bills and gives me an allowance to pay for food shopping, kids stuff and my own personal day to day living but he takes care of everything else. I also have a part time job which I get a small weekly wage from. My name is not on the deeds. Obviously he wants me and the kids to continue living in the house and he will be coming up to stay in it every other weekend to have his turn with the children, and I will go and stay with my parents whilst this happens. I did think about getting my own place but I don’t want to cause the kids any more unnecessary upheaval. He will continue to pay me monthly and based on his salary this is the amount he should be giving me for child maintenance anyway, but my mum did mention I might be entitled to universal credit so I’ve started the application process but I just don’t know how to answer the questions about us living together etc and if the kids are with me all of the time or only some of the time? They won’t be with me ALL the time but definitely 85-90% of the time. We don’t live together but the whole house belongs to him and he will be sleeping in it for 4-6 nights a month when I’m not there. Financially there are huge implications on me as I don’t earn much and the money he gives me for the kids won’t go very far without him contributing on the weekends I have them etc and not paying for their clothes and activities but I only want to claim if it’s legal and I’m not doing anything fraudulent, I’d imagine it’s a unique situation so just not sure how to go about it, it hasn’t given me an option to go into more detail yet so just wondering if anyone has any advice or has been in a similar scenario. Thank you.

ThatCleverBird · 08/01/2026 00:39

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Nonametonight · 08/01/2026 00:41

Yes, you probably are.

People can be treated as single for UC even when they're separated but still living in the same house.

And yes, put the kids down on the claim so you get the UC for them

Loyaltotheoil · 08/01/2026 00:42

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Are you okay?

IncessantNameChanger · 08/01/2026 00:49

I think you might be. A friends ex pays her rent but she gets UC. They are split. Her ex supports his kids having a roof over their head so there is no housing part of UC. Her ex can not fully support his holdhold and her household at the same time. They both rent. There's no equity, nothing to cash out. They both work hard but it's not enough for the kids needs food etc

Original poster

Confusedmum74858 · 08/01/2026 00:50

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What he gives me really is just child maintenance and obviously I have my own personal bills, a car to run, my food bill will go up and I currently have very very minimal help with childcare as my Dad has just been diagnosed with cancer and is having chemo so my parents can’t help me either, which has resulted in me having to put my children in nursery an extra day so the cost of nursery has also gone up. I’ve also had to reduce my hours at work because of my dad’s illness my parents can no longer help with school/nursery pick ups. On top of the fact there are 2 weekends a month which will cost me more money as I will be paying for everything. So no, I’m not a “scrounger” looking for a hand out! I’m just asking a question to see if I am entitled to any help.

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ThatCleverBird · 08/01/2026 00:53

sorry i was under the imprression he was paying for everything

Original poster

Confusedmum74858 · 08/01/2026 01:00

He pays for the house but the money he gives me doesn’t go far as I calculated and it’s basically just child maintenance, I can’t afford much more than a coffee for myself once my car insurance, phone bill, petrol and maybe one big food shop has come out and my wage just about covers the kids clubs. And obviously he won’t be paying for nowhere near as much as he was as if we were together.

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HK04 · 08/01/2026 01:12

Crunch your numbers in a benefit calculator:
www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator/Intro/Home?cid=a62e1d21-d021-4560-a2d5-bb060bf0d795

Original poster

Confusedmum74858 · 08/01/2026 01:12

In fact, using the government calculator, what he gives me based on his salary is £300 less than the recommended amount he should be giving me for the children. And what he gives me was supposed to cover things for myself and the household as well when we were together.

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HK04 · 08/01/2026 01:27

Confusedmum74858 · 08/01/2026 01:12

In fact, using the government calculator, what he gives me based on his salary is £300 less than the recommended amount he should be giving me for the children. And what he gives me was supposed to cover things for myself and the household as well when we were together.

Remember though OP you are getting the benefit also of living in his house. The maintenance calculators don’t count that but in real terms having that security vs insecure rental is another factor to consider. Fair play to you both for putting kids first and making it work, and you’ll know him best but push too far many men may well decide have the extra £300 but I want my house back. For private rentals UC only covers local housing allowance rate meaning many who cannot get a discretionary top up then have to pay the shortfall out of it so could be swings/roundabouts. You’d need to run scenarios but last thing you need is to increase your income if your outgoings also higher meaning you may be only a little, no or worse off.
Another factor to consider is when you both meet new partners that too can turn the tide. Would he be willing to sign a separation or other agreement to formalise your arrangements (thinking so you have something expressly stated should things ever, and they may not, change in future?).

Original poster

Confusedmum74858 · 08/01/2026 01:33

HK04 · 08/01/2026 01:27

Remember though OP you are getting the benefit also of living in his house. The maintenance calculators don’t count that but in real terms having that security vs insecure rental is another factor to consider. Fair play to you both for putting kids first and making it work, and you’ll know him best but push too far many men may well decide have the extra £300 but I want my house back. For private rentals UC only covers local housing allowance rate meaning many who cannot get a discretionary top up then have to pay the shortfall out of it so could be swings/roundabouts. You’d need to run scenarios but last thing you need is to increase your income if your outgoings also higher meaning you may be only a little, no or worse off.
Another factor to consider is when you both meet new partners that too can turn the tide. Would he be willing to sign a separation or other agreement to formalise your arrangements (thinking so you have something expressly stated should things ever, and they may not, change in future?).

Edited

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I’m not going to push for an extra £300 off of him..it was more just a statement to the PP who called me a scrounger. It’s a huge benefit of mine to be able to stay in the house, but I would be equally as happy if not happier renting my own place.
Without going into detail he’s not been a very nice man to me, probably seems hard to believe seens as though he’s letting me live in the property rent free. To me it’s just another tie to him I’d rather sever but won’t right now for my children’s sake. Thank you for forwarding me the benefit calculator, I will take a proper look tomorrow when I’m not so sleepy zzz

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HK04 · 08/01/2026 01:39

No problem OP. Good 🍀 luck with your UC. Can understand what you mean about independence. Maybe one day you’ll have your own place. 🤞 Just sorry it sounds like you’ve been put through the mill what with one thing and another.

…it was more just a statement to the PP who called me a scrounger.

Noticed that. Thought that was uncalled for, harsh and unfair so just scrolled on.

TheM55 · 08/01/2026 01:49

I am no expert, but I think some of your issues may come from the Living Toegther As Husband and Wife rules. If, for example, you lived somewhere else with your kids, say for example, you had moved back into your Mum's house (or anywhere really), due to marriage break up, and you were looking to be housed somewhere more suitable, Or say, he had moved out of the family home, and was living in a rental flat somewhere with a proper address, then it would be clearer that you are not LTAHAW. From the govt pov, they have 2 adults and one home, and although you are all making it work with you schlepping out when he comes in, you have to see how it looks to them on paper. The "maintenance payments" for your children are sort of a different thing, and dealt with a different government agency, who do not need to be involved if you feel you are getting what is "about right" as a percentage of his income from him as the Non Resident Parent. You are right that it is a tricky situation, I am hoping others will be along to give some advice. In respect of your job, if all other things were sorted, you would get UC in a tapered way according to your earnings, so no longer the days of a cut off point of 16 hours (get something,or get nothing) you can work longer hours (if that is possible around childcare) and still get UC and other benefits. I feel for you trying to do the right thing whilst sorting this fairly complicated life stuff out...I am hoping others might help xx

Original poster

Confusedmum74858 · 08/01/2026 14:15

TheM55 · 08/01/2026 01:49

I am no expert, but I think some of your issues may come from the Living Toegther As Husband and Wife rules. If, for example, you lived somewhere else with your kids, say for example, you had moved back into your Mum's house (or anywhere really), due to marriage break up, and you were looking to be housed somewhere more suitable, Or say, he had moved out of the family home, and was living in a rental flat somewhere with a proper address, then it would be clearer that you are not LTAHAW. From the govt pov, they have 2 adults and one home, and although you are all making it work with you schlepping out when he comes in, you have to see how it looks to them on paper. The "maintenance payments" for your children are sort of a different thing, and dealt with a different government agency, who do not need to be involved if you feel you are getting what is "about right" as a percentage of his income from him as the Non Resident Parent. You are right that it is a tricky situation, I am hoping others will be along to give some advice. In respect of your job, if all other things were sorted, you would get UC in a tapered way according to your earnings, so no longer the days of a cut off point of 16 hours (get something,or get nothing) you can work longer hours (if that is possible around childcare) and still get UC and other benefits. I feel for you trying to do the right thing whilst sorting this fairly complicated life stuff out...I am hoping others might help xx

Thank you, I appreciate your input!

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momahoho1 · 08/01/2026 14:21

You might be, you won’t be able to claim for rent so it will depend on what you actually earn. Remember if your youngest is over 3 a condition of uc is increase your income by seeking more hours/better paid work. You can use an online calculator to see if you are likely to qualify taking into account no rent

notatinydancer · 08/01/2026 14:27

I think you’d need to increase your income. UC helps with nursery costs.

SnailsInHair · 08/01/2026 16:08

Are you married or civil partnership ?

Or just two single adults ?

Howarewealldoing · 08/01/2026 16:19

Are you married? If so it will not matter if the house is in his name it belongs to both of you .

Original poster

Confusedmum74858 · 08/01/2026 19:24

Sorry no we’re not married I forgot that important detail

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littleorangefox · 08/01/2026 20:33

It's a tricky one because he still pays the mortgage and bills. However, that doesn't automatically mean you can't be considered as living separate lives and therefore not being a couple so you could make a single claim.

Any money he gives you MUST be referenced as child maintenance if sent via bank transfer to be disregarded in full from UC calculations. Anything like personal spending for you from him will most likely be deducted from any UC award you did get. So you have to make it very clear that the "allowance" he gives you is for child maintenance and their benefit/upkeep.

The fact he comes to stay at weekends also doesn't mean you will be classed as a couple. Especially if you stay elsewhere during these times. UC look at the whole picture and essentially if you aren't living as a couple then you can have a single claim.

How UC works is it's made up of different "elements" which are all added up to reach a total. These are typically the individual/couple amount, children, childcare, housing (only rent not mortgage) carer, limited capability for work and disabled child elements. They then take this total as a whole and make any relevant deductions with the most common one being for earned income (remember child maintenance is not deducted) and then the claimants receives what is left over. As you have no housing costs, there won't be any deductions made until your income during the assessment period (this is a monthly period and the dates it runs from depends on when you first start claiming UC) is over £684. Anything above that figure will be deducted from the UC total award amount at a rate of 55p in every £1 earned.

As a single claimant, you would be expected to earn a minimum of £952 a month to be placed in the "light touch" group which means you won't have to attend the job centre or have phone calls regarding increasing your working hours or income.

If you would be willing to share how much you typically earn in a month, I could give you an estimate of what your UC award would be.

Original poster

Confusedmum74858 · 08/01/2026 21:12

littleorangefox · 08/01/2026 20:33

It's a tricky one because he still pays the mortgage and bills. However, that doesn't automatically mean you can't be considered as living separate lives and therefore not being a couple so you could make a single claim.

Any money he gives you MUST be referenced as child maintenance if sent via bank transfer to be disregarded in full from UC calculations. Anything like personal spending for you from him will most likely be deducted from any UC award you did get. So you have to make it very clear that the "allowance" he gives you is for child maintenance and their benefit/upkeep.

The fact he comes to stay at weekends also doesn't mean you will be classed as a couple. Especially if you stay elsewhere during these times. UC look at the whole picture and essentially if you aren't living as a couple then you can have a single claim.

How UC works is it's made up of different "elements" which are all added up to reach a total. These are typically the individual/couple amount, children, childcare, housing (only rent not mortgage) carer, limited capability for work and disabled child elements. They then take this total as a whole and make any relevant deductions with the most common one being for earned income (remember child maintenance is not deducted) and then the claimants receives what is left over. As you have no housing costs, there won't be any deductions made until your income during the assessment period (this is a monthly period and the dates it runs from depends on when you first start claiming UC) is over £684. Anything above that figure will be deducted from the UC total award amount at a rate of 55p in every £1 earned.

As a single claimant, you would be expected to earn a minimum of £952 a month to be placed in the "light touch" group which means you won't have to attend the job centre or have phone calls regarding increasing your working hours or income.

If you would be willing to share how much you typically earn in a month, I could give you an estimate of what your UC award would be.

Thank you for your concise advice. It varies depending on how many hours I am able to do a week which seems to be decreasing at the moment due to the fact that my father is ill so my parents can’t help me with school/nursery pick ups etc so it’s around £230 a week at the moment before deductions. But for example next week it will be even less as I have to take my children to a hospital appointment so I will have to take time off for that and I have no annual leave left. And this week my wage is only £97 because I had to take unpaid leave last week because the school/nursery didn’t go back until the 5th of January so I had no childcare. But if you base it around £230 a week generally that’s about right, thank you.

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littleorangefox · 08/01/2026 21:15

Confusedmum74858 · 08/01/2026 21:12

Thank you for your concise advice. It varies depending on how many hours I am able to do a week which seems to be decreasing at the moment due to the fact that my father is ill so my parents can’t help me with school/nursery pick ups etc so it’s around £230 a week at the moment before deductions. But for example next week it will be even less as I have to take my children to a hospital appointment so I will have to take time off for that and I have no annual leave left. And this week my wage is only £97 because I had to take unpaid leave last week because the school/nursery didn’t go back until the 5th of January so I had no childcare. But if you base it around £230 a week generally that’s about right, thank you.

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Is it paid weekly? Just because UC assessment periods are always a month long so the award amount will vary depending on whether you have been paid for 4 or 5 weeks in that period as usually a couple of times a year there will be 5 weeks of salary paid in an assessment period.

Do you have any childcare costs?

Original poster

Confusedmum74858 · 08/01/2026 21:18

littleorangefox · 08/01/2026 21:15

Is it paid weekly? Just because UC assessment periods are always a month long so the award amount will vary depending on whether you have been paid for 4 or 5 weeks in that period as usually a couple of times a year there will be 5 weeks of salary paid in an assessment period.

Do you have any childcare costs?

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Ahh ok , yes I am paid weekly.

I have childcare costs, 2 of my children attend nursery. They are entitled to 30 hours free childcare each though so it’s just a top up of whatever hours aren’t funded. My costs have increased quite considerably though since having to put them in for an extra day.

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littleorangefox · 08/01/2026 21:20

Confusedmum74858 · 08/01/2026 21:18

Ahh ok , yes I am paid weekly.

I have childcare costs, 2 of my children attend nursery. They are entitled to 30 hours free childcare each though so it’s just a top up of whatever hours aren’t funded. My costs have increased quite considerably though since having to put them in for an extra day.

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How much are your total childcare costs per month? Above the funded hours. Because you can claim 85% of those back from UC as well. Also how old are your children? The amounts vary slightly if the oldest was born before April 2017.

Original poster

Confusedmum74858 · 08/01/2026 21:26

littleorangefox · 08/01/2026 21:20

How much are your total childcare costs per month? Above the funded hours. Because you can claim 85% of those back from UC as well. Also how old are your children? The amounts vary slightly if the oldest was born before April 2017.

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£264.88 for both children per month.
eldest born march 2017, middle born April 2023 and youngest born October 2024

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