full time mum and recently separated

pogel

hello!
newbie here so hope this is in the right place.

i am a full time mum to 3 kids under 6 and have recently separated from my husband (in dec).
we have a mortgage on our house in his name only, as his salary was the only income,he still pays for the bills and mortgage and gives me an allowance but his salary will drop in a months time as his job required him to relocate and he hasnt. therefore he wont be able to pay the mortgage and rent a place for himself.
i am looking for a job but could really do with some advice on what i can claim in the interim. currently we do not claim anything whatsoever.
i dont really know where to start regarding benefits as i have no idea what i am entitled to.
any help would be greatly appreciated!

System

Try www.entitledto.co.uk that site allows you to input your circumstances to see what benefits, if any, you would be entitled to.

pogel

Will do. Thanks

System

You will certainly be entitled to Child Tax Credits as a lone parent. Call TCO on 0845 300 3900 and request a claim pack. The contact centre is open to 8pm.

jul22

If your ex does not live in the same household as you anymore then you can claim Income Support as a Lone Parent. Any money that your ex gives to you in child maintenance will be taken into account and a £20 (I think!) disregard will be applied. (eg If he pays £40 per week then only £20 will be taken into account and deducted from your benefit entitlement). However, Income Support is to help with your living expenses ie your bills. (Child Tax Credit will provide the child element previously paid in Income Support).

If your husband is currently paying your bills for you then it might be seen that he is still maintaining the household even though you no longer live together.

Judging by your post, am I right in thinking that your ex is still living in the same household? When he moves out he will porbably not be able to maintane the two households and you would therefore be in a better position to apply for Income Support. If you and your children continue to live in the marital home the the mortgage interest could be paid - but only if the mortgage is in your name. Also, if the mortgage was taken out recently then you will only be eligible for help after 38 weeks from claiming Income Support.

Hope this helps!

pogel

thanks for that.
no he doesnt live with us and will soon be going back to work in holland. As he hasnt relocated and is commuting, his wage will drop by a third so he wont be able to maintain the house and get himself somewhere else. I think thats when the problems will start. Thanks again for your help