Hi, looking for advice on Joint Claims for UC.

Csikcharose
Csikcharose Online Community Member Posts: 1 Listener
edited October 2023 in Universal Credit (UC)
Hi, 
I am on new style ESA (as I have limited capability for work) and I am on the daily living component of PIP.
I am currently not in safe housing - and neither is my boyfriend. 
He is looking to join UC as he is out of work, and to apply for housing benefits so he can find somewhere to live. 
I am also looking for somewhere to live but I am worried if we make a joint claim and move in together - will my pip or ESA be affected?
I am just thinking we might be more likely at finding a place on a joint claim, then separate claims?
Or if itd be worth him joining on his own claim, then claiming housing benefit. 
However, I haven't got the money for a deposit on a place neither does he. So I'm not sure how we are even going to find a place to rent anyway.
We are both desperate for some stability, housing, and as he is on no income right now, I am having to lend out of my benefits.
He is only ever going to work low income jobs, but if he works over 24 hours (which you have too to even live!) then my benefits will be stopped?? Please help I have no idea what to do. 

Comments

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,463 Championing
    edited September 2023
    If you are not currently living together and he's not working does he claim any benefits at all? If so which ones exactly? If he's not claiming any benefits, is there any reason why?

    If you or he find somewhere to live then you will only be able to claim housing benefit if you're living in either supported or temporary housing. If not then any help with the rent will be through UC known as housing element.

    If you can amswer that above question then i can help you further.
  • Jimm_Alumni
    Jimm_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 5,713 Championing
    edited October 2023
    Hi @Csikcharose, welcome to our community :) I hope you're doing well, I can see you're quite worried about all this.

    Let me get the easiest thing out the way first, your PIP will not be affected. It is not means-tested.

    Poppy has asked for more information to better answer your other queries about ESA and UC, hopefully we can answer them with a bit more information.

    Finally, are you getting help with finding a home? Are you private renting or in council housing?

    Edit: Just moved this into our UC category :)

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