Hello everyone. I’m trying to divorce my DV husband who has also hurt our children. I have reported everything to police and CS.
I decided it would be best to go to a refuge with my children. I was offered a place but when they learned I am a doctoral student with full time student status they told me I can’t qualify for benefits and therefore cannot get a refuge place unless I can prove I have funds to cover it - and I cannot unless they will let me use credit cards. I have no access to money as all is controlled by my H and my student loan went purely to tuition). I have three children under the age of 9. I am almost finished with my degree - just 6 months of so to go. Should I drop out so I can qualify for benefits? I really hate to do that as it feels like DV is winning if I stop my degree due to DV. Any suggestions?
I am asking my IDVA for help as well but she doesn’t have the answers to this one. She said I could make an emergency homeless application to the council. I worry I won’t feel safe if I do that. The refuge sounds safer for my children and me. I don’t want H getting them until we have gone thru the courts and I know leaving is the most dangerous time with a DV relationship so I expect it to get worse and really want safety.
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Divorce/separation
Student status is preventing me from obtaining a refuge place. Pls help.
Amgelima · 22/03/2024 19:04
Overthebow · 22/03/2024 19:08
Your tuition fees should be covered by the tuition fee loan, do you also get the maintenance loan? I believe on benefits your expected to get the full loans available.
CatsLikeBoxes · 22/03/2024 19:10
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/universal-credit-and-students
If you are a lone parent you can get universal credit as a full time student under certain circumstances
CornishTiger · 22/03/2024 19:31
@Throwawayme of course refuges have an accommodation charge. How else do they get funded? And it’s a few hundred a week.
@Amgelima It would require a referral from homelessness services following you approaching them to be accommodated in a refuge here. They will be discreet. Please do make an application.
Crowgirl · 22/03/2024 19:31
Are you able to contact your mp also?
It's ludicrous you should need to but worth a shot. Good luck.
CornishTiger · 22/03/2024 19:13
Full time students in temp accommodation can claim Housing Benefit.
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EarthbarsforMartians · 22/03/2024 19:36
Another avenue to look into is the student housing department at your university. They won’t have much geared towards families, but they may have something, and if there’s nothing they’ll at least be able to provide proof you’ve asked them. There may also be hardship grants for students in unexpected financial difficulties.
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