splitting from partner

aaangelica

hi, been with my boyfriend for eleven years and we have two young children. He cheated on me 3 years ago and i have never got over it. We have a joint mortgage and i now want to sell up and move on with my life as the constant rows are not fair on children. The thing is i have just started a new job and know that if im a single parent things will be alot tighter. Do you think i would be better off giving up work i currently pay someone 20 pound a day to have both kids. i only work 4 days a week but would my tax credits and other benefits go up if i am single parent?
This is such a hard time for me but i'd rather be single than be in an unhappy relationship isuppose i worry also that no one would want a relationship with me as i have 2 kids, not that i will be looking 4 a long time as kids will be priority. ANY ADVISE APPRECIATED...

Merry_Gentry

Don't give up your job. I can totally understand if you need to get out of your relationship, but giving up your job is not going to make things easier for you.

Speak to your local council about being put on their list. If you can't get a council house, you will need a bond/guarantor and a deposit. Also check out https://www.entitledto.com to see what benefits you can claim that will help you.

In these uncertain times, a job is something to hold onto - don't let it go.

Good luck.

Oldernotwiser

In your situation I'd think that being in work would be so much better for your confidence and well being that I'd stick with it, unless you're actually going to be worse off. Being a lone parent on benefits can be a tough situation and difficult to get out of when the time comes.

Don't forget the fact that it will soon not be possible for a lone parent to claim IS if their youngest child is over 7 which could be relevant for you if your children are around that age.