I have no idea on what to do

Greeneyed

Hello I'm new to this . Myself and my husband separated last week and I'm now living with our 2 children alone and I have no money . I had to make a new claim at jobseekers and because I have one child who is 12 and one who is 16 I can look for part time work because one is 12 . I have been so Ill since the separation last week . I have been on medication for anxiety depression for 17 years , this week I have gone down hill I'm being sick can't eat lost weight , can not sleep at all ! I'm crying and no energy , I have made an appointment to see my gp today as I feel so bad . And being told on the spot to go look for work it's impossible ! I'm drained I'm in a bad way , what should I do ? I have no idea when it comes to benefits

Caz3121

there are 6 elements I can think of here
Child benefit - are you receiving this in your name
Child Tax Credits - if you were previously claiming this as a couple then the joint claim needs to be closed and a new single claim open. If not claimed previously you should open a new claim
Housing Benefit - if in rented accommodation you should look into housing benefit/LHA
Council Tax - 25% discount for being the only adult in the property plus Council Tax Reduction based on low income (each council varies so you will likely still need to pay something)
Child Maintenance from ex - has this been agreed, if not speak to CMS
JSA/ESA - if your doctor has given you a fit note then you should look at changing the JSA claim to one for ESA

things will get better....

Housing_Benefit_Officer

Look at your household bills. What can be cut or cancelled to reduce outgoings. Food - what luxuries can you live without. Shop at Aldis or Lidls to reduce your food costs. Maintenance is disregarded as income for benefits purposes - does your husband intend to support his children financially? Do you have any loans or credit cards that you pay - explain your circumstances and see if they can cut down on the repayments.

Your standard of living will take a big jolt but you will adjust. It may feel you are in an elevator going down while swirling around in the middle of a tornado but there is help and support out there and things will get better.

pmlindyloo

Caz3121 wrote: »

there are 6 elements I can think of here
Child benefit - are you receiving this in your name
Child Tax Credits - if you were previously claiming this as a couple then the joint claim needs to be closed and a new single claim open. If not claimed previously you should open a new claim
Housing Benefit - if in rented accommodation you should look into housing benefit/LHA
Council Tax - 25% discount for being the only adult in the property plus Council Tax Reduction based on low income (each council varies so you will likely still need to pay something)
Child Maintenance from ex - has this been agreed, if not speak to CMS
JSA/ESA - if your doctor has given you a fit note then you should look at changing the JSA claim to one for ESA

things will get better....

You can now claim JSA and have an extended period of sickness up to 13 weeks during which you will not have to abide by your Job Seekers agreement.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/419036/m-9-15.pdf

This might be a better option because if you claim ESA then you will usually be called for an interview and have to complete a lengthy form (an ESA50) about your illness. This could add to your stress.

Personally I would make an appointment with your doctor and present your fit note to the Job Centre Plus.

Then take it one day at a time. Things will get better. Just focus on claiming the benefits you are entitled so that you do not have to worry about money.

Remember there is support from CAB/welfare officer if you need it.

tomtontom

Hopefully your GP will put you in touch with a counselling service, if not you may be able to self refer. After a break up you go through a grieving process, not necessarily for your partner but your life as it was. Hopefully you can get some support to help you manage your way through it.