Husband Left - Please Help

kirstle99

Hi all

My husband has left and i'm on my own with 2 kids. Apart from tax credits is there anyone/anything else I need to do to get sorted?

I earn about 9.5k working part time. Youngest is in nursery full time, eldest is at school.

Please help, i'm lost

Shovel_Lad

If you put your details into the benefit checker on here it will give you an idea of what you will be able to claim.

http://www.turn2us.org.uk/benefits_search.aspx

Pollycat

Will your ex be paying maintenance for the 2 children?

Are you buying your house or is it rented?

I think your first step should be to make an appointment with CAB.

Tiffany_Aching

I know this isn't answering your question, but in your situation it is worth being sure that your wages and any benefits you can claim / are claiming are paid into an account only you can access and not a joint account

mazza111

You will need to contact tax credits and change from a joint claim to a single claim.

Housing benefit if you're renting.

Council tax benefit (or whatever the new name is for it)

Those are the things that spring to mind.

EclipsedMind

If he s not paying maintenance get in touch with the CSA the sooner the better as it wont start until they make contact with him.

If you have a mortgage or other financial commitments get in touch with the companies and let them know whats happened and see what they will do regarding debts.

CAB might be worth a go if you up to your eyeballs in debt and need advice.

The link posted earlier would be a good place to start for what you can claim.

EM

pmlindyloo

A good overview of everything:

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/relationships_e/relationships_relationship_problems_e/ending_a_marriage.htm

HoneyNutLoop

Also http://www.cmoptions.org/
Their sorting out separation web app can direct you to a variety of relevant organisations, depending on your circumstances.

letthemeatcake

Don't forget to phone the council and let them know you are now single to get the single person discount on council tax. Definitely change your accounts to be in your name only.Its not difficult.

Let school/ Nursery know too so they are aware.

kirstle99

Thanks so much for the advice & links, i'm on the phone to tax credits as I type.

Am I entitled to anything because I rent privately?

Maintenance is being paid privately at the minute, it's for more than the CSA would say I would get.

RAS

Rent is paid by Local Housing Allowance - you need to know the maximum in your area.

However, if you have been living there and paying the rent without help prior to the split, they should pay a run-on for several months if your rent is higher than the LHA rate.