Benefits when you separate before divorce

[SeamusMacDubh]

Sorry if this has been done to death, I have tried searching MN for the answers but haven't found them so here goes.

How does it work when you are separated before divorce and applying for benefits?

Would be scenario:
Agree to divorce, H moves out of family Home
W & 2 Preschool age DC at home, no income
How does W apply for benefits and work out what she's entitled to living separately from H but still legally married to him?

[Sparrowlegs248]

I'm in this situation. H has left. I work part time, 2 small children (pre school) . I can now claim single person council tax discount and tax credits based on my income alone.

[Sanch1]

I just applied for tax credits as soon as ex h moved out. The application asks for date of separation etc you don't have to be divorced.

[expatinscotland]

You need to see if you're in a Universal Credit area, that can make a huge difference. Why is this man not paying for his kids' support.

[egginacup]

You don’t have to be divorced. My divorce has finally come through after 4 years, and I have claimed tax credits, child benefit and single person council tax discount for the whole time. Finally having the piece of paper hasn’t made any difference!

[egginacup]

I would say though, that when he moved out we had a few months of exH still paying all the rent and direct debits etc while I was looking for a job and applying for tax credits etc as at the time I was a SAHM with no income of my own. It takes a while to disentangle the finances.

[SeamusMacDubh]

Thank you all for replying, it's something that's been niggling at me and I haven't had to deal with it before.