Don't know where to start ....

55kelly

I am in the process of separating from my husband and i don't know where to start in the benefits minefield. I have 2 children 8 and 9, i work 20hrs a week. We have 8k in cc debts, the mortgage is £600 a month. Any advice really gratefully received.

Caz3121

are you planning on staying in the property?

When_the_going_gets_tough

Remember to put your priority debts and basic living costs ahead of cc debts. If necessary you / your ex can go for a Debt management plan. Basically you may be entitled to more tax credits, as a single claimant, both CTC and WTC

55kelly

I earn £550 a month and yes really hoping to stay in the property. My husband has agreed to pay £130 a week and i've worked out i'm entitled to about £190 in WT and CC. Is there anything else i should be claiming or doing? thanks guys :0)

BigAunty

Download the MSE budget planner so you can get a handle on your true expenses and income, plus you can then systematically work through the site to identify where to slash living costs.

Debts are relevant to your life but not to your benefit entitlements so need to be dealt with separately. Go to the Debt free wanabee board and the folks there will help you come up with a strategy to get them down to token payments or written off. The Direct Gov website has good info on how to manage debts, too.

The Shelter website has a relationship breakdown section that will outline your rights and options with the accommodation.