separating with 2 kids - help with new benefit claims please!

chiefnoodle

So right now we're claiming CTCs for our 2 kids. We've now separated and future is unclear . I imagine my wife (who will have the kids most of the time and is staying in the rented house) will need to make a new claim for UCs as this is a big change in circs.

I will be moving out, finding new place to rent and making my own claim for that. I understand the Shared accommodation rate will apply to my new Housing benefit claim, as I'm expected to share being under 35. Does that apply even though I'll be having the kids over every other weekend, plus (possibly/hopefully) a night in the week? As seems unreasonable to have kids over in shared accommodation!

The other Q is, as my wife and not me will be claiming UCs for the kids, if I find someone else to start new family and if we have say 2 kids together, will I be entitled to claim for them? How about if I meet someone who's already got say 2 kids and is claiming for them, and we have say 2 more kids together - will I end up not being able to make own claim for any kids?

Have googled this extensively but really hard to find clear info on this, my brain is bit of a fog at the moment so would at least like some clarity where I stand with this - thanks a lot!

SnooksNJ

chiefnoodle wrote: »

So right now we're claiming CTCs for our 2 kids. We've now separated and future is unclear . I imagine my wife (who will have the kids most of the time and is staying in the rented house) will need to make a new claim for UCs as this is a big change in circs.

I will be moving out, finding new place to rent and making my own claim for that. I understand the Shared accommodation rate will apply to my new Housing benefit claim, as I'm expected to share being under 35. Does that apply even though I'll be having the kids over every other weekend, plus (possibly/hopefully) a night in the week? As seems unreasonable to have kids over in shared accommodation!

The other Q is, as my wife and not me will be claiming UCs for the kids, if I find someone else to start new family and if we have say 2 kids together, will I be entitled to claim for them? How about if I meet someone who's already got say 2 kids and is claiming for them, and we have say 2 more kids together - will I end up not being able to make own claim for any kids?

Have googled this extensively but really hard to find clear info on this, my brain is bit of a fog at the moment so would at least like some clarity where I stand with this - thanks a lot!

Given your recent breakup and financial situation isn't it a little too soon to start thinking about a new partner and having babies.

chiefnoodle

SnooksNJ wrote: »

Given your recent breakup and financial situation isn't it a little too soon to start thinking about a new partner and having babies.

That would depend on the exact details of the situation... I can see you'd think that, but I think you'd understand if you knew what was going on. Anyone got sthg helpful?

pmlindyloo

If you are in a full service Universal Credit area (and I believe all areas are now for your circumstances) then you will both be expected to make claims for UC.

Do you work?

You can put your details into a benefit calculator - try https://www.entitledto.co.uk- to see what you may be entitled to.

I'm sorry to say that having the children to stay occasionally does not entitle you to a higher bedroom allowance.

Since you will be paying child support it may be sensible to see if you can increase your income - perhaps overtime or taking a second job.

Please make sure that you end all financial ties with your wife - i.e nothing that will link you with your wife's address - car insurance bank etc etc

There is a lot to think about when ending a marriage. CAB website (Adviceguide) has some useful information.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/ending-a-relationship/how-to-separate/deciding-what-to-do-when-you-separate/

As regards the future and benefit applications will be based on your current circumstances and nothing to do with your ex wife.

the_JHD

If the kids live her most the time she is classed as the main carer so she’ll receive the tax credits etc. If you have children with someone else and live with them then you can jointly claim for those children and their own children would be included with that claim