moving back to UK - need info on where to start!

[GorgeousGroovyGreenie]

Ok quick background info:
My H and I split a few weeks ago (mutual and amicable at the mo), been on the cards for a long time. He has gone back to the UK. We have been living in Ireland for a long time.
I have decided to move kids and I back to UK (different area to him). Kids have undiagnosed ASDs. Not told them yet of split as the move back will be/is a big enough thing for them to deal with just now (they think their father is simply working away).

Having decided to move back home I really need some advice.

Have been out of UK for years and dont know what I could be entitled to regarding the kids. Never claimed anything other than child benefit before.
I have been their unofficial carer all their lives. They learn at home.

I really need some help to find out what they/I would be entitled too and how to go about getting it?
Assume I can still get child benefit but what about any benefits for kids with ASDs? - are there any?
Lone parent? (do I have to fufil certain criteria for that?)
H and I already have agreed how much he will pay monthly for kids upkeep (both verbally agreed to it). Does that have to be made known to anyone officially? Cant remember the name but did hear years ago about UK Govt making absent fathers pay up. That not how it is in our case but dont want interference when we already decided on finances.

I really dont know what else to ask as I have no idea where to start.
Any help, ideas, info please?

[Wisteria]

Bump - don't know but hopefully someone else will!

Good luck with the move x

[Tinkerbel5]

you could privately rent and claim Income Support as a lone parent and get Housing and Council Tax benefit, and Child Tax Credits or work over 16 hours and get Working Tax Credits and half Housing and Council Tax Benefit, if you work you get to keep all your maintenance, but if you are on benefits you only get to keep £10 of it.

look at this site

www.entitledto.co.uk

[GorgeousGroovyGreenie]

Thanks a mill to you both for the bump and for the link. Will take a look at that in the morning.

Much appreciated

[Tinkerbel5]

if you privately rent you have to have money up front and a gurantor, but you could always go to the local council and put your name down on the housing register.