Would I be eligible for housing support as a single parent?

[Quarentina]

Hi I wonder if anyone can help me. Currently separating from husband, two children, all living in the family home. He brought the house before we met but added my name to the mortgage recently. I am on mat leave, FT salary 25k but I will return 3dpw so it will be less. My take home pay is the same as the minimum local monthly rent (London) so there would be no money left for other bills.

I would like to leave the family home and rent somewhere nearby. We would share care. I did the entitled to calculator and it says I would be entitled to UC but not sure if that’s right as I technically own property (even though it’s not really mine & I wouldn’t want to sell up whilst children are small).

Has anyone been through anything similar that could advise? Money is the only thing preventing me from leaving.

You could receive rent through universal credit but you would need to be taking active steps to realise your interest in the property. This disregard is normally 26wks

Sorry I don’t understand what this means @cornishtiger. Could you explain please?

@Quarentina , you will be able to claim the housing element of Universal Credit for 26 weeks. That will give you time to sort out your financial affairs in regards to the house. Usually, if you own your own home and live in it, you wouldn't be entitled.

I'm not on UC yet. Im still on tax credits. I'm a single parent of 1. I work 30 hours and not entitled to housing benefit or council tax benefit, or working tax credits

Is your name on the house deeds or just the mortgage?

I think just on the mortagage @Gingerkittykat - does that make a difference to the help I might be able to receive?

www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/protecting-your-home-ownership-rights-during-divorce-or-dissolution#should-you-change-the-ownership

If you are just on the mortgage then you are liable to the debt but don't owe the house. You need to work out where you stand legally.

Is your name on the house deeds or just the mortgage?

It has to be both or neither under modern underwriting practices.