Universal Credit for those planning to leave

[iliketea]

I’ve read a couple of posts where women say they can’t afford to leave, and another that the equity in their jointly owned home means they can’t claim. I’m not sure if everyone knows about this. If you are trying to escape from an abusive relationship and are still in the same house as your abuser, benefits see you as separated and single. You can apply for UC. When you do your application be honest about your situation and if you have spoken to any professionals mention that too, and contact numbers. They can also discount the equity in your home when doing the calculations. It will go to a special board who will consider your situation.

[Anonymous]

Support available if you are the victim of domestic abuse

A range of support services are available to you and your family via your work coach, if you are the victim of domestic abuse:

Private rooms are available in most jobcentres so you can discuss sensitive issues with your work coach in private.

If you have to temporarily stay in alternative accommodation but intend to return to your former home, you may be able to receive the housing element of Universal Credit for both your former permanent home and the temporary alternative accommodation.

The jobcentre can temporarily remove the need for you to look for work so that you can focus on your immediate needs.

If you’ve left an abusive relationship, your work coach can help you to open a new claim as a single claimant. From this moment your ex-partner will not have access to any information about your new claim. You can also get a rapid advance of up to 100% of your expected Universal Credit monthly entitlement. You will get a decision on the same day.

Every jobcentre has links with a network of local and national charities and organisations, which your work coach can direct you to in order to ensure that you get the expert help you need.

The jobcentre can liaise with local authority contacts and relevant organisations to support you to find somewhere to live as soon as possible if you have had to leave your home due to an abusive relationship.

https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/already-claimed/domestic-abuse/

[RedGiraffe]

I have a joint claim with my abuser (still under the same roof) will UC help me make a single claim? He says he can’t leave whilst he’s helping pay the rent and I can’t do it on my own without the top up – the last bit of hope in me is hoping this is the reason he won’t leave like he says!

[Author]

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