Claiming UC whilst owning a house

[Boymummy1401]

Currently going through V messy breakup.

Still in a house with my abusive (mentally) and threatening ex.

He is doing whatever he can to try and scare me into staying eg threatening to take the kids from me (said he will say/do anything to make this happen). Wants to take me to court to take son to live in Australia and will say/do anything to make this happen.

Im trying to get away from him.

My question is if i find a house to rent will i be able to claim UC or HB whilst still being on the mortgage on our house? He refuses to move out until the house sells which could be months away! I only work 25 hours per week and would not be able to afford rent/bills etc on my wage alone.

I just need to move out because it is unbearable, constant accusations, threats, recording me etc i cant handle it anymore. The car is in his name and this morning he took it away from me and im not allowed to use it anymore.

Im sorry if this is a chaotic post im in a bit of a state

Yes, I did.

Yes. Whether you own a house isn't the point. What's important is your income. How much do you earn? Idk what the threshold is but I'm sure you can find out.

yes- go on entitledto.co.uk

also - hide/put a block on their passports

I agree, you need to get out asap. Would you consider a refuge?

Yes - I have a mortgage but claim UC as I became a single parent. I bearely get anything but that's because of my salary/hours increasing recently. Is that also an option for you?

Yes it absolutely is important if you own a house that you aren't living in for a UC claim. There is a capital limit of £16k for UC eligibility, that includes savings and investments, which would include any equity in a house you own but don't live in.

I believe there's a 6 month grace period where they ignore a house if you're actively selling it. But then once it's sold, if you're due anything from the equity that'll then be taken into account as a cash asset.

And capital in between 6 and 16k causes a taper reduction in UC. UC assessors aren't known for being flexible so I'm not sure if there's any leniency if you claimed to be fleeing an abusive partner. They'd likely want some sort of evidence for that.

Your best option is to stay in the house if you possibly can, because equity in your own home is disregarded for UC.