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Universal credit, bank statement

1 reply

Holc97 · 11/09/2026 11:05

Looking for urgent advice, mental health conditions are being made worse by the extreme worry it’s causing.
I have just opened a new bank account which only I have access to. I have changed my payment to go directly to that account. I have been asked for 4 months worth of statements from previous bank. I have went to submit this, but my ex partner gets paid wages into a joint account. I receive roughly £900 child maintenance per month as per private agreement which was signed and dated with witnesses. When downloading my statement, it has taken my ex partners wages and added it to the total incomings/outgoings. I am the only one named on the bills and council tax etc so can prove we are not a couple or living together. I am terrified I’m going to be sanctioned for the fact my ex’s wages go into that account. My ex hasn’t been able to change the account they get paid into due to issues with employer, which is why I have created a completely separate bank account. Am I going to get sanctioned because it shows their income as part of mine?!? Please help I’m desperate for advice

OP posts:
Bromptotoo · 11/09/2026 11:19

The short answer is no you should not be sanctioned or suffer any other problem. Just explain it as you have here.

UC, when deciding whether there shoud be a joint claim looks at households.

You say you now live apart so cannot be a single household.

If you were estranged but living under the same roof failure to have seperate finances might count against you but not as you are now.

You're taking steps to establish your own account which is the right thing.

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