Universal Credit advice needed

[Mom2Boys1234]

Hi, this is my first post so I'm not sure if I have posted in the right place 🙂

I am just looking for a bit of advice regarding Universal Credit.

I found out over the weekend that my husband of 20 years has been having an affair. This isn't a complete shock as our relationship has been headed towards separation for quite some time.

I am now looking at my options going forward. We rent our house so have no equity and I would like to remain in the house as I do not want this to affect my kids more than is necessary as the separation will devastate them.

I have used the calculators and I will be able to survive on UC and my income, however, for the time being, my husband would not be able to afford a place big enough to have the kids. Would my he be able to visit the kids on some weekends (possibly staying over one of the nights?) I would stay with a friend during this time. He wouldn't be contributing to any of the rent or bills and I would obviously let DWP know the situation.

I just wondered if anyone else has been in this situation and could give me some advice?

Yes you absolutely can do this, however you’ll need to prove that you are living entirely separately. Providing bank statements to show your finances are separated (he can still pay CMS if he will have the children less than 50/50) and that you have your own rooms, you both purchase your own food and cook for yourselves etc.

If he’s staying over it could get a little murky, but if you’re completely honest with UC they will be able to point you in the right direction.

That sounds like a good idea OP

I had a male housemate, this was on the old benefits, they sent someone round to asses us, basically they could see two bedrooms were used and we had no shared bank account.

I will say though to put a comment on your Journal as soon as you are on UC, so there is a paper trail. Also screen shot it as they can change things but if you have the screen shot you have proof.