How to step into a life of my own after amicable separation?

[LovelyLittleTalks]

Hi!
My partner and I are essentially good friends, but we reached a point in our romantic relationship where we realised that we aren't right for eachother in that capacity. We've been together for 5 years.
We're taking this decision as we didn't want our otherwise fairly positive relationship to reach the point of hatred or resentment. And really, it's the relationship side and expectations that arent right. We would otherwise be able to have an amazing coparenting relationship without coexisting and causing eachother frustration.

We've been living in his property and claiming UC together to to top up his wage (he's the breadwinner and I'm a SAHM with our 1 year old).

I know that he would be willing to help this transition as much as possible to make things easy for baby and I.
I'm just wondering what's the first step to separating our lives?
Can I UC claim as a single person while we still live together but separated and then find a place of my own ? How does housing benefit work?
What are the first steps I need to take?
I have no clue where to begin.

Yes you can claim uc once you are separated. But separated means not buying each other stuff eg food, washing, cooking etc etc for each other.
There's a complicated formula for working out housing but yes that will be part of it. Not sure if he can do rent a room scheme to you whilst you look for a new place.
CAB would be a good place to start.

There are fb groups that will work out what you will probably get for you - which is really helpful when it's all new and overwhelming. Take their advice on which day to start your claim too.