Single parent help

CharlieD2k

Hi. Mum of 3 and my husband and I have decided to separate. I work full time and rely on our current entitlement and a portion of his wages to pay childcare and keep the house etc. 

He won’t be able to save to find somewhere to rent if he still needs to give me the amount he currently does but I won’t be able to pay the bills and childcare without it.

Can I claim single whilst he is still here so he can save enough to move out? 

poppy12345

Which benefits exactly are you both claiming?

CharlieD2k

poppy12345 said:

Which benefits exactly are you both claiming?

Currently claim UC so would just be switching from joint to single 

sheramber

Do you get child benefit?

Rubyroobs

You can try if you are living separate lives, all bills separated, sleeping separately, cooking separately, not holidaying together etc. You would need to be prepared for it to go to a decision maker. How long do you anticipate living this way?

CharlieD2k

sheramber said:

Do you get child benefit?

Yes I do 

CharlieD2k

I would hope no longer 2 months (less preferably) but that would be if I can claim single. If I can’t he’ll be here for the foreseeable which is not what either of us wants 

jackieblack

Have you checked the EntitledTo calculator, using the figures that will apply for your new circumstances ie as a single parent living alone? 

https://www.entitledto.co.uk/

poppy12345

CharlieD2k said:

I would hope no longer 2 months (less preferably) but that would be if I can claim single. If I can’t he’ll be here for the foreseeable which is not what either of us wants 

I don't think anyone can tell you for sure if a claim will be successful. It will be down to a decision maker to decide. You should also have separate bank accounts.

CharlieD2k

jackieblack said:

Have you checked the EntitledTo calculator, using the figures that will apply for your new circumstances ie as a single parent living alone? 

https://www.entitledto.co.uk/

Yea I’ve checked the calculator. 

CharlieD2k

poppy12345 said:

CharlieD2k said:

I would hope no longer 2 months (less preferably) but that would be if I can claim single. If I can’t he’ll be here for the foreseeable which is not what either of us wants 

I don't think anyone can tell you for sure if a claim will be successful. It will be down to a decision maker to decide. You should also have separate bank accounts.

We have separate bank accounts and I’ve had to enter a dmp recently due to the financial difficulty I’ve been placed in. Thanks everyone for your replies I’m going to ring citizens advice on my lunch