Advice please

LCBS9898

Hi not sure where to start. I've never claimed any type of benefit in my life been in full time work since leaving school and been a homeowner. Unfortunately over the last few months my marriage has broken down. I now only work 19 hours a week as I have a 4 & 2 year old. I am joint owner of a home with my husband but I financially cannot afford to keep the mortgage payments up on my own or running costs of the house. I bring home £800 a month that's it. My husband will keep or sell the house I'm not sure . Equity stands about £50k so either way if I'm removed from the mortgage I will have just over £20k once debts etc are paid. I don't want to leave the home it's an awful situation but I have no choice as I can't afford it on my own. My question is how do I finance renting a place on my own with my 2 children? Am I entitled to any benefits because of this equity I will have one day? It could take months to sell the house so do I need to stay put until it's sold? It's almost unbearable now living together in seperate rooms and not a good environment for the children. I hope to return to full time work once my youngest is at school so i know there is light at the end of the tunnel eventually and I can afford to live then? If I am entitled to anything can i apply now in order to find a place to rent? Or do I have to apply after ? I'm going to go to CAB this week but just wanted advice please if anyone knows? Thanks

Darksparkle

Cant help from the rent side but are you claiming working tax credits, child tax credits and child benefit?

LCBS9898

No nothing not sure if I can claim those now?

Darksparkle

LCBS9898 wrote: »

No nothing not sure if I can claim those now?

You should have already been claiming child benefit.

Tax credits will depend on what your income was last tax year and what you expect to earn this tax year.

xylophone

There is to be a divorce? Will there not be a settlement to require your husband to support his children/pay the mortgage in whole or in part until the youngest is 18?

http://www.wikivorce.com/divorce/

Alice_Holt

If the separation from your husband is permanent then you may be able to claim Tax Credits (WTC & CTC) as a single person:
https://www.gov.uk/qualify-tax-credits
https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/benefits-you-may-be-entitled-to-if-you-are-separating
http://revenuebenefits.org.uk/tax-credits/guidance/how-do-tax-credits-work/who-can-claim/

Housing Benefit is mean-tested with a £16k capital limit, but some capital can be disregarded including:
" - Your previous home if you are separated from your partner, from the date you left the property.
- Any property you are trying to sell, from the date you put it up for sale."
See - http://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/500180/housing_benefit/4265/how_savings_investments_and_property_affect_your_housing_benefit_and_council_tax_support/4

LCBS9898

Thanks everyone I don't claim family allowance because my husbands earnings are over 60k he's also told me that once the house is sold he's giving up his job and going abroad travelling so there'll be no maintenance payments from him. I literally have no money in the bank I've been reliant on him for years and all my earning now go on our food shopping my car insurance and fuel my phone and clothes for the kids and their days out he always put the roof over our heads but I pay for day to day stuff so how do I get any money to pay bonds first month rent etc? Can I start claiming child allowance and tax credits whilst still living in the family home?

LCBS9898

I'm not sure he just said il get half the equity in the house then that will be it?

[Deleted User]

he should pay around £9k in maintenance on that salary, try one of the benefit calculators like "turn 2 us" to get an idea of benefits available or go and see citizens advice

xylophone

Are you seeing a solicitor concerning a divorce?

Alice_Holt

LCBS9898 wrote: »

Can I start claiming child allowance and tax credits whilst still living in the family home?

There are two types of tax credits claims – Joint and Single.

Section 3(3) Tax Credit Act 2002, in Section 3(5), explains a ‘couple’ is:

(a) a man and woman who are married to each other and are neither –
i. separated under a court order, nor
ii. separated in circumstances in which the separation is likely to be permanent.

As you are ( I assume) separated in circumstances in which the separation is likely to be permanent you can make a single claim, and be assessed on your earnings only.
(The CAB may have more info on this).

Re rental deposit - Some councils may have schemes to help (at least some used to!)
http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/private_renting/costs_of_renting/rent_deposit_and_bond_schemes

May be worth contacting Shelter - 0808 800 4444 ; as well as CAB.