Husbands left me with no money first post help please

Han14

Hi I'm new to this so be nice please

My husband of 2 years has decided to leave me and our two children aged 2 ,9 and has took all our money as he says it's his . But our rent is due to be paid in two days time and I don't know what to do and I recived a letter today to say he hasn't been paying council tax and it was for court I just don't know what to do I only work 19 hours a week and what else hasn't he been paying. To top it all off he became self employed and had to let tax credits know but they have been dealing with it for two months and have sent a letter saying they have not received any evidence but it has been sent so we are not entitled to it so we we sent to appeal against it and now husband has left . If I ring them to tell them I will have to do a new one do they just forget about them months as they never even give the children's money I'm so confused can someone help please x

NYM

I can't offer any advice but you do have my sympathy.

Someone will be along to advise you on the best course of action that you can take.

Good luck x

Han14

Thank you, I hope so 😀

Tigsteroonie

If you're looking for information online, Gingerbread is a good source of information for single parents: https://gingerbread.org.uk/content/324/Advice-and-Information
Their first factsheet is about separation: https://gingerbread.org.uk/Factsheets_Results.aspx?Keyword=&FactsheetCategoryID=-1

NYM

Han14 wrote: »

Thank you, I hope so ��

Have a search around this board and 'arm yourself' with actions that you will be able to follow.

Also you could click this link for some information---> Parent Connection

Alice_Holt

1) Tax Credits - Start a single claim based on your income and circumstances (I am assuming the separation from your husband is permanent). Other forumites will be able to advise further on the old (couple) claim.
http://revenuebenefits.org.uk/tax-credits/guidance/how-do-tax-credits-work/changes-of-circumstances/how-to-notify-changes/

2) Talk to your council about the Council Tax reduction scheme, also tell them about your current circumstances re the outstanding amount.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/help-if-on-a-low-income/help-with-your-council-tax-council-tax-reduction/

3) Also talk to your council about Housing Benefit. The sooner you put a claim in the better as back-dating is limited.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/help-if-on-a-low-income/help-with-your-rent-housing-benefit/

4) Your local CAB may be able to help with specific advice.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/relationships/relationship-problems/ending-a-marriage/
Shelter have a helpline re housing.
http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/how_we_can_help/housing_advice_helpline
Stepchange can advise on debts over the phone.
https://www.stepchange.org/

5) Have a look at the Turn2us grant website to see if their are any charitable grants available to tide you over.
https://grants-search.turn2us.org.uk/?_ga=1.170762722.318055956.1478278793

6) Child maintenance ? - https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/relationships/children-and-young-people/child-maintenance/child-maintenance-where-to-start/

Good Luck.

Diary

Han14 wrote: »

Hi I'm new to this so be nice please

My husband of 2 years has decided to leave me and our two children aged 2 ,9 and has took all our money as he says it's his . But our rent is due to be paid in two days time and I don't know what to do and I recived a letter today to say he hasn't been paying council tax and it was for court I just don't know what to do I only work 19 hours a week and what else hasn't he been paying. To top it all off he became self employed and had to let tax credits know but they have been dealing with it for two months and have sent a letter saying they have not received any evidence but it has been sent so we are not entitled to it so we we sent to appeal against it and now husband has left . If I ring them to tell them I will have to do a new one do they just forget about them months as they never even give the children's money I'm so confused can someone help please x

Do you think him running off with all your money is permanent? Some men can panic when in a tight spot and will soon come running back - albeit minus the money. Having said that you can't just hang around waiting patiently for him to return you need to be really proactive on this.

Don't panic, sort one thing at a time, nothing bad will happen if people you owe money to can see you're trying to sort your mess out. First thing is child maintenance for your children if they're both his - I know you said you've not been married long. Second thing is to remove his name from anything he has at the house, driving license etc - it will go as proof he's not still there if you need state help in the form of benefits as a single mum.

kingfisherblue

Han14 wrote: »

Hi I'm new to this so be nice please

My husband of 2 years has decided to leave me and our two children aged 2 ,9 and has took all our money as he says it's his . But our rent is due to be paid in two days time and I don't know what to do and I recived a letter today to say he hasn't been paying council tax and it was for court I just don't know what to do I only work 19 hours a week and what else hasn't he been paying. To top it all off he became self employed and had to let tax credits know but they have been dealing with it for two months and have sent a letter saying they have not received any evidence but it has been sent so we are not entitled to it so we we sent to appeal against it and now husband has left . If I ring them to tell them I will have to do a new one do they just forget about them months as they never even give the children's money I'm so confused can someone help please x

I can't help with the benefits side of things, but there are a few things to consider. Firstly, do you have enough food to see you through until payday? Are gas and electricity on keys or direct debit, and do you have any money to cover them? Is there any family who can help?

If you have a joint account, close it now, especially if you have any wages or child benefit due to be paid in.

You can apply for housing benefit for help towards your rent, but obviously it won't be sorted in time.

Inform any direct debits that they will be cancelled this month and that you will pay them as soon as possible - you might need to set up a payment plan. Bounced direct debits will cost you more, so cancelling them and informing suppliers is probably the cheaper option.

If your 9 year old has school meals, consider asking the school to allow him to eat without payment until you are a bit more sorted - you may be entitled to free school meals now, but again, this takes time. When my son's free meals hadn't been sorted, school didn't charge me.

It's a very difficult time for you, emotionally as well as practically. I hope that things turn out well for you.

Topcat1982

Did the money he took include your wages as well? You should call the police

Murphybear

Poor you.

In addition to all the excellent advice you must talk to your landlord/agent and explain what has happened. They will be much more sympathetic if you explain upfront why the rent may not be paid on time rather than them just not receiving it and chasing you.

Good luck

Glen_Clark

Don't panic. With 2 young children you will go straight to the front of the housing queue and the council will have to house you same day. But you may need to be persistant, and as Diary says you may need to prove you are single. Many couples have pretended to be single to maximise their benefits, so its something the DWP have to check.:(