Moving into parents. Benefits query.

Kitty2016

Hi all. Newbie here forgive me if this has been posted/asked loads.

I have recently left my partner and me and our 2 children are currently sofa surfing with my mum. I don't work currently, I was sacked last year on incapability grounds whilst off with a breakdown and with that hanging over me it's proving hard to find a job!
Anyway my question is am I able to claim anything while living with my mum? I am currently in receipt of tax credits, still as a joint claim because as the TC site suggests a temporary separation isn't grounds for changing the claim. Well it's been 4 weeks and I have applied to the council for housing so I think I shall be calling them Monday. I have no savings or income but, my mum is considered a higher earner. Living with her would her income affect anything I'd claim? That's just it am I able to claim anything? I've worked my whole life apart from the last 18 months and Google is not helping me.
Thanks for any input.

pmlindyloo

Much will depend on the circumstances of your split with your ex. Did you have a property together/joint savings?

Is this a temporary split? Why did you leave the marital home?

If there are no complications to this then while you are living with your mum you can claim

Income Support if yo have a child under 5 or
JSA if your children are over 5
Child tax credits

As regards your tax credits I personally feel that you should be telephoning tax credits and explaining the situation. If you have left your ex. then you should be closing the joint claim and making a single one. A temporary split means that you intend to get back together again.

Once you have your own accommodation then you can claim HB and CT reduction.

Your mum's income will have no effect on your ability to claim benefits.

If you wish to share more details about the relationship breakdown then someone may be able to give you specific advice or

Visit CAB and ask them to guide you through as regards benefits/housing etc.

naturaljazz

As above ... but I would add that an initial free appointment with a solicitor is vital. If you own property (even on a mortgage) it adds to the complexity as far as benefit claims are concerned. You need independent advice.

Kitty2016

Thanks for the replies.
I'd rather not go into details as per the relationship breakdown.

It's not temporary from my point of view I read on the tax credits site that if it's under 8 weeks or 6? I can't remember but, I have every intention of calling them Monday to explain my circumstances.

There's no joint savings or property which I guess makes things a little less complicated.
Thanks for the heads up regarding jsa I will look into that tonight.
Thanks again!

clairec79

the under 6/8 weeks won't mean you can't claim until then, if you geniunely believe it is a permanent break then you claim as single from day 1 of the split