So I have applied for UC as a single person, me and my partner are no longer together but we are still living together, I am now being told if I don't add him onto my claim and make it a joint claim that fraud are going to get involved.

If you are living together and he is paying towards bills, rent and other expenses, you both have to make a joint claim. If he isn't they might ask for proof ect.

As above said if you are still living together it will be a joint claim as you are both still responsible for the running of the household including bills, food shopping etc you can claim single if one of you move out.

We have agreed to be amicable with eachother for the sake of the kids, I'm being told I can move out and he can come and see the kids whenever he likes, that's not what we want. If anything it's do what UC tell you to do, not what YOU want to do.

So I am not able to live with my ex husband for the sake of the kids and their mental health growing up, yet I have to move out if I want the money. I am not having a go at any of you ladies just looking for some help.

If you want money you can get a job?

You can't read that! I'll copy and paste the charities... one sec x

Understanding the Universal Credit (UC) issue

If she and her ex are still living together, UC usually assumes they're a couple unless she can prove they are separated and living as single people under one roof.

To show this, she'd need evidence like:

They don't share money or meals

They sleep in separate rooms

They don't present themselves as a couple

They have separate finances/bills, if possible

If she can prove they're not living "as a couple," she can apply as a single claimant. Citizens Advice or a domestic abuse charity can help her gather evidence or write a supporting statement.

Immediate practical and safety support

www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

1. Domestic abuse support

National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge): 0808 2000 247 (24/7, free, confidential)

They can help her make a safe plan to leave, access emergency housing, and get benefits advice for abuse survivors.

Women's Aid Live Chat:

chat.womensaid.org.uk

Available daily - can help even if she's not ready to leave yet.

Local Domestic Abuse Services:

She can find these here

https://www.womens

rg.uk/domestic-abuse

-directory

Financial and benefit support

If she's being financially controlled, she can:

Contact Citizens Advice

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits /universal-credit

They can help her argue her case with UC or apply for Hardship Payments or Budgeting Advances.

Turn2Us (www.turn2us.org.uk) - shows grants and charitable funds for single parents, survivors, or those escaping abuse.

StepChange or MoneyHelper - if debt or money control is part of the abuse.

Housing and leaving safely

Housing Options Team (Local Council): She can declare she's fleeing domestic abuse. Councils have a legal duty to help her find emergency or safe accommodation, even if she's still in the property right now.

Refuge and Women's Aid can help her access emergency shelters or sanctuary schemes (where she stays in the home but it's made secure if the abuser leaves).

Support for children

Family Lives - 0808 800 2222 (parenting and emotional support)

NSPCC - if she's worried about the children's safety, they can help her report it safely or talk through options.

If she's scared to make calls

She can:

Use Women's Aid live chat (no need to talk aloud).

Text "DA" to 999 if she's in danger and can't speak - it will alert police to a silent domestic abuse situation.

The Bright Sky app (by Hestia) - disguised app that offers info, support, and safe exit routes

Hey! I’m just gone through the same thing! So we split and he moved out, and I claimed as a single parent because we don’t actually live together despite him still paying the rent. I’ve been told I can now move out and get my own place with my son and claim the housing element of it x