Divorce and benefits

[crosseyedpug]

Hi,
Can i get some advice as im a bit confused and just starting the divorce proceedings.
My ex was the main wage earner and without him I will definitely need to apply for benefits. Can i apply now or will i have to wait until the divorce is finalised??

I'm in a similar boat. I need all the advice I can get right now!

I claimed benefits whilst I was living with DH. I told the tax credits the truth the we've separated but living in the same house. I no longer slept in the same room or cooked in the in the same kitchen or used same bathroom, and that I brought my own food.

Apply as soon as you have separated.

As you go along, collect things that prove the split in case it’s questioned later. So, maybe informal things like emails between you about arrangements, or proof you’ve agreed or applied for CM, Decree Nisi, document discussions about the house (equity split or tenancy transfer). Nobody will expect you to have all those things from day one, though.

No problem claiming mine as soon as we separated and living under same roof. Just have proof as people say.

I contacted citizens advice who were absolutely brilliant.

I claimed universal credit while we were still living together. The fact that I was part way through buying my own property was proof enough that we were indeed separated but the usual things like separate sleeping, cooking arrangements applied too. I didn’t have to provide evidence of any of this. Making my claim was very smooth.

Don’t forget to claim child benefit if you weren’t previously entitled. They backdated mine 9 months to when the separation took place (I didn’t realise at the time that I found claim while still living together).