Friend needs financial help to leave her husband

BriNylon

I am trying to help someone access state benefit help.  

Although her husband is a very high earner and has substantial assets and cash, none of it is in her name. She does not work so when she leaves she will have to claim state benefits.  He will not allow her to work so this will only be until she gets a job.  Once the home is sorted presumably she will get 1/2 but in the meantime she will have to rely on housing benefit.  

She has no money of her own until maintenance or financial settlement is sorted. 

What would be the best course of action for her to escape the marriage?  Under no circumstances will he leave the home or give her any money. 

LinLui

She needs to speak to Women's Aid. If she has no money it is not as simple as her applying for benefits and she gets a house. Where is she intending to live? Is it her only or with children? Does she have rental deposits or advance rent? What will she live on until she gets a job? Women's Aid are the leading experts on leaving abusive or coercive relationships- they have seen it all and can give the best advice tailored to her exact circumstances. 

Brie

Lots of women in that situation hide money away over time, whether it's the proverbial coffee jar under the sink or passing it to a friend to hold for them for when they need it.  

Frankly my suggestion would be that she (you on her behalf?) get hold of a local women's refuge to discuss the financial coercion that is happening.  He is controlling her with his money (& her lack thereof) and that's no longer considered acceptable.  If you don't know of a women's refuge try talking to someone at Shelter as they will help liaise with the local council and get her on to the housing list.  The initial move may be brutal, living in a hostel surrounded by people that she might not be comfortable with but it's unfortunately a case of needs must.  

What we do - Shelter England

If you can't find someone to help at Shelter or can't find a women's refuge (they can be difficult to find for good reasons) then see if there's a food bank as they will often be dealing with people in similar situations and may have connections.  Citizen's Advice is another great place to get help.

Grumpy_chap

BriNylon said:

I am trying to help someone access state benefit help.  

when she leaves she will have to claim state benefits. 

This does not really help, but the benefits system operates all based on fact and actual reality.  The benefits system is not set up to advise on what benefits may be available based upon a possible future scenario.

The situation you describe sounds like the husband has financial control so exerting undue influence and that is wrong.  Your friend has my sympathy and I hope they can find a better future.

tacpot12

If you wanted to help her understand what benefits she might be entitled to, you could use one of the benefit calculators available at entitledto.co.uk and turn2us.org.uk