Benefits- Domestic violence- pregnant

Malika0620

Hi
I don't know where to looking for help. I am European women, I left my partner on August with my 2 children because of the emotional, physical and financial abuse. I live in women refuge now. I claimed Universal Credit but I am not entitled. I am here 5 years here but have been working 2 years, last time on March 2016. My ex-partner is not EEA and we not married. My children are under 5, one in nursery and second stay with me at home. I am currently 34 weeks pregnant... Citizen advice.actually don't know to much, they have been thinking after 5 being here 5 years I will be entitled but didn't say must be qualified person...
.I am not entitled for nothing? Even after born baby? women from third country can apply for visa because of domestic abuse. I understand the law, but I really haven't choose this situation... better stay with violent partner and waiting what is he gonna do?
There is any help for me please, I am so stressed

huckster

You might have a right to reside, but not to claim benefits.

Does the European country you are from, have a embassy/consulate office in London. Can they offer any assistance to you ?

Lioness_Twinkletoes

Do you have family/friends or other support in your home country? Might it not be better to return home? Get a job? Claim your own countries benefits?

Malika0620

I have one family member in my country but we don't have contact. My city is small, hard to find job, even I graduated University and it not so tolerant as UK, my children don't have polish name, exotic surname, people know each other etc. Social and those stuffs are very bad, everything is expensive.
I came here for better life for me and my children.... My ex-partner did a lot of bad already and know because of him I had to lose everything...
I know this is not my country, some people from abroad just want to claim benefits, I understand the law but I wish it will be more understanding for people like me with children, just help for start.

Thank you, have a nice day

Comms69

Slightly confused as to why you wouldn't be entitled?


Have they clarified why they say you aren't a qualified person

TELLIT01

On the face of it things don't look good for claiming benefits here. You don't qualify in your own right and it's unlikely there would be any inherited rights as your ex-partner isn't an EEA or UK national.

At this stage I think all you can do is appeal the decision and see if there is any way in which you might qualify. It's possible that you have information which would help but you haven't provided.
Do you have a British friend who could help with phone calls to DWP? Although you seem to have a pretty good understanding of English it is possible that you are not fully understanding some of the requirements. That is not meant in any way to be insulting to you, it's simply that a native English speaker may be able to read more into what is being said on the phone.

tacpot12

It may be difficult to ask, but if your partner is also the father of your children, you could ask him to provide for their living costs. You might also suggest to him that if he does not pay enough for you to remain in the UK you will return to your country and he will not see his children. This might persuade him to pay enough, but if he is not earning a good wage it will not be easy for him to live and pay enough for you to live.

Your own living costs need to come from somewhere and the UK benefits system will not cover you because you haven't qualified according to the rules. I'm sorry about this, but there have to be rules.

brewthebear

Another conundrum about claiming benefits when not entitled and people never want to return back to their own countries.Which proves its all about the our benefit system which brings people here.

Dymphna60

I am sorry that I am not able to advise beyond suggesting short term help from charities or maybe a religious organisation associated with your home country?

Whilst some may come to uk to claim benefits OP came here to work probably benifiting others .
Seems like she was unfortunate to meet a man that appears charming and caring at first . But as time goes on isolates the woman stopping her working keeping her at home pregnant and with young children.
He’s not Prince Charming but a nasty bully.
A sadly not at all unfamiliar story.

pollyanna_26

Malika0620 wrote: »

Hi
I don't know where to looking for help. I am European women, I left my partner on August with my 2 children because of the emotional, physical and financial abuse. I live in women refuge now. I claimed Universal Credit but I am not entitled. I am here 5 years here but have been working 2 years, last time on March 2016. My ex-partner is not EEA and we not married. My children are under 5, one in nursery and second stay with me at home. I am currently 34 weeks pregnant... Citizen advice.actually don't know to much, they have been thinking after 5 being here 5 years I will be entitled but didn't say must be qualified person...
.I am not entitled for nothing? Even after born baby? women from third country can apply for visa because of domestic abuse. I understand the law, but I really haven't choose this situation... better stay with violent partner and waiting what is he gonna do?
There is any help for me please, I am so stressed

You are in a complex situation . As far as I can see you may be able to stay in the UK but would need to seek informed advice . Citizen's advice are overwhelmed with requests and only an advisor with specialised knowledge could advise fully .


I do not see you would qualify for benefits as neither yourself or the ex partner fit the criteria .


Depending on the refuge you are living in there could be someone in charge who could advise you where to get clarification .


If you haven't already done so I would suggest looking at the online site for Women's Aid who have decades of experience dealing with domestic violence . women'said.org.uk .


I think you may have to prepare for the possibility of returning to your birth country and making a new life with your children but clarify the situation re benefits here first .


Returning to a violent partner is not the answer to this . You can make choices for yourself as an adult but two very young children and an unborn child must be your priority. I'm a survivor of a violent , abusive and toxic marriage and myself and my children are living a peaceful functional life .


Whatever the difficulties in your homeland you aren't going to find life any easier in the UK .

polly

TELLIT01

brewthebear wrote: »

Another conundrum about claiming benefits when not entitled and people never want to return back to their own countries.Which proves its all about the our benefit system which brings people here.

That is a very unfair generalisation. The OP has been here for 4 years, working and not claiming any benefits. It is a change of circumstances which puts her into this situation and she is simply seeking advice on what help might now be available.