If DP moves out, how likely am I going to have to manage before housing benefit etc kicks in?

[Whoopsnowas]

As per my other thread I have name changed so I can be frank without being outed (my old user name reveals rather too much about me!).

I think probably DP will be gone by March, that’s fine as really he should have moved out by now anyway. He is a drinker so it’s pretty miserable here. There has been a lot of possibly gaslighting over the years and my confidence has been shot to bits, I’ve also been a SAHP so no job to fall back on (I’m not giving myself a hard time about that last point).

Anyway, emotionally I don’t feel to bad about it all but financially I’m riddled with anxiety. If I put in a claim will I have to wait weeks and weeks for any money? I think in our area, and because I have more than 2 children I will still be on housing benefit rather than the dreaded UC.

OH has left before and diligently paid his maintenance, but still. I also did a calculation on Turn to us, it was based on me taking a part time job that has come up. It made me look positively loaded so I don’t think that can be correct either.

Any help or advice would be helpful, thank you.

Likely? That should read ‘long’

Hi, I know it's been a few weeks since you posted but in my area (no UC as I've too many children ) it can take up to six weeks before housing benefit payments come through. They pay in arrears as well. Other benefits were much quicker for me, two weeks for esa/jsa and less than a week for child tax credits.

Hope you get sorted!