Life as I know it about to change : advice please

[divorcedrama37]

Hi all

Having been going through a difficult divorce for the last few months, ex refusing to sign papers, ignoring any wishes I have re children etc I know find myself in the position of losing my job. This leaves me unable to pay the mortgage and without any income. My thoughts are to use this months pay to secure a small rental (house we are in really expensive and in neg equity anyway) wlak away from the house and start again. Any advice out there on what potential benefits I may get, kids are 11 and 6, have never claimed benefits in my life as have always worked. I know I wont get a job out there earnign the money Ive been on but just need some advice, such a stressful time Thanks

Housing benefit, council tax, income support and tax credits. Child maintenance. Free sch meals if on Inc support/jsa

Oh, kids too old for Inc support. You will need to be seeking work

Thanks, so would I get JSA if looking for work, to be honest the stress of the last few years has caught up with me, Im on the edge, having tried to hold down a high earning job, do the divorce cope with the finances and bring up two kids. What would my options be? I need to look for a less responsible job if you know what I mean? Will I get benefits whilst Im looking?

Jobseekers, yes. About £65 a week.

Actually, if you own a house you will need to check with regards to housing benefit. You may not be entitled

I realise that mortgage wont be covered, which is why Im thinking of walking away from it and securing a rental, smaller, less outgoings, its in negative equity anyway and I have been working like a dog and killing myself just to pay the ridiculous repayments on it that are fixed at 6%, I can reduce outgoings by a thiirs if I walk away, even considering bankruptcy

Yes, but you still 'own' it and it's classed as an asset. Not sure if benefit system supports this.

look at mortgage interest relief -
england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/debt_and_arrears/mortgage_arrears/support_for_mortgage_interest

but can be complicated if in joint names

You may be able to get incapacity benefit if your doctor believes you are unfit to work due to stress/depression.

I would go to the CAB and see what they say.

I got mortgage interest help when my business went bust while I was pregnant. I've sold it now, just to get it off my back, so understand your point of view, but it may be worth looking into other options than walking away.

I separated from my husband and get some money towards the interest on the mortgage instead of housing benefit. I have to pay the difference and I could rent somewhere and get all my housing paid for but then social security could refuse to pay housing benefit as I would have made myself homeless - or some such ruling...

entitled too is great online tool that will give you an idea