About to seperate, advise on benefits :-(

[absandme]

It looks like seperation is happening. I will be left in rented private rented accommodation and needing to apply for universal credits.

My youngest is 2 1/2. Am I going to be forced into work? Or what age will my youngest be before I have to work? I am looking into work at home options instead of going out to work as I'd rather earn from home.

And, if my husband (currently unemployed) does get work, what maintenance will I be entitled to and how would this effect universal credit?

I think I can cope with the separation and the kids but worry about finances :-(

I'm pretty sure it's 5 although they want it lowered to 3 when they expect you to look or work but I'm not sure if that's happened yet. Once your child is 1 they expect you to attend the job centre every 6 months for a work focused interview. Maintenance won't affect universal credit but you will get 12% of what he earns. If he is unemployed on benefits it will be a flat rate of £7 a week.

You’ll be expected to be looking for work / in work once a child is 3

www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/georgeosborne/11748957/Single-mothers-will-be-forced-to-seek-work-for-their-benefits.html