Carers Allowance and Income Support advice needed.

Pumpkin102

Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum and wondered if anyone could give me some advice.

My husband left me 2 years ago and I have remained in the marital home alone (we have no children). I am not in employment but I have been claiming carers allowance for 2 years as I look after an elderly parent. The weekly payment I receive for carers allowance is £58.45.

My estranged husband pays the mortgage (interest only), electric, water, tv licence and phone bill (they are all in his name). I do not receive any other maintenance from my husband. I have no savings and I have no other income from elsewhere except my carers allowance. A friend suggested that I could be eligible for income support but I am unsure whether I will qualify for income support as my husband still pays the bills.

Any advice would be very much appreciated. Thank you.

nannytone_2

you need to ber very careful. while you would be eligable for an IS top up of around £13 or £13 a week, you may find it hard to convince the DWP that you and your ex are still not a couple.
the mortgage i understand. but why is he paying your bills too?

Pumpkin102

Thanks Nannytone

My estranged husband is living 100 miles away with his new partner. He is paying the household bills because he left the marital home and is not paying any spousal maintenance. As I am a full time carer, I have no other way of earning any money, which would enable me to pay my household bills. I wish there was another way but this is the situation he has left me in.

mikey_bach

I think you would be better trying to get maintenance from him and getting everything put into your name. But this may be taken into account anyway as you have no children

You can claim I.S but the arrangement you have will cause problems,
for you and may need a DM decision..
but nothing ventured nothing gained

Pumpkin102

Thanks for your advice Mikey.

I think the best thing to do is speak to a benefits adviser, they can only say no.

princessdon

Spousal maintenance?

Does such a thing exist in the UK with no children?

mikey_bach

Yes it does apparently

princessdon

Wow - am genuinely suprised

Went all USA for a moment, never heard of it other than claims for high earners where the wife left her career to look for children.

How cosmopolitan

Queries

Dear Pumpkin102, I, personally, would not speak to a benefit's advisor, at this stage, I would contact the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB). As far as I am aware, you can do this online, or make an appointment to go to your local CAB - this is what I would do if I lived near a local branch. Or, go to one of the CAB's drop-ins (arrrive earlier than the opening times and be prepared for a long wait).

Are there any local, independent, Advice Centres in your area?

It is worth being armed with the facts before you even think of approaching a benefit's advisor (since they, themselves, are not necessarily aware of your legitimate rights). Good luck!