marriage break up on maternity leave

charliesmummy2018

i am one month into my maternity leave and thinking about leaving an unhappy marriage. obviously i can’t afford rent and bills on SMP and i am unsure on what i am entitled to(if anything) i have tried using the calculators but it is coming back saying i am only entitled to child benefit i think because they are basing it on my income for the last tax year when i wasnt on maternity leave. my husband is being difficult and saying he won’t pay the rent for me to continue living in our rented house but he has said he will pay me £100 a week in child maintenance but this still won’t be enough to pay rent and bills and everything else i’d need to pay. i am thinking of making an appointment with CAB in the new year but if anyone has any idea beforehand i’d appreciate the advice.

[Deleted User]

charliesmummy2018 wrote: »

i am one month into my maternity leave and thinking about leaving an unhappy marriage. obviously i can’t afford rent and bills on SMP and i am unsure on what i am entitled to(if anything) i have tried using the calculators but it is coming back saying i am only entitled to child benefit i think because they are basing it on my income for the last tax year when i wasnt on maternity leave. my husband is being difficult and saying he won’t pay the rent for me to continue living in our rented house but he has said he will pay me £100 a week in child maintenance but this still won’t be enough to pay rent and bills and everything else i’d need to pay. i am thinking of making an appointment with CAB in the new year but if anyone has any idea beforehand i’d appreciate the advice.

Calculator is your most accurate info and yes some benefits are based on last years income. But they're only as good as the info being inputted.

Will you be working? On what wage? Do you already claim any benefits?

calcotti

Do you have any existing children and will they be living with you?

Unless you already have more than two children you should be able to claim Univetsal Credit. This includes a basic amount to live on and help with your rent (it replaces housing benefit). However the SMP will be taken into account as earnings which means that 63% of your SMP will be deducted from your max UC entitlement.

You can also apply for Council Tax a Reduction from you local council to help with the cost of Council Tax.