What would I be entitled to with 2 children?

[Bearslikehoneyintheirtummy]

I'm new to all of this and just sort of testing the waters to see whats available. I have never claimed any benefits,am 31 next month and will have 2 young children by October (hopefully)

I had a quick look at the benefits calculator and it came up with about £160 p/w
Does this sound about right?
Would I be able to stay in private accommodation and get help towards housing?

How quickly do they sort out all the benefits?
Sorry I can't give much more info, I don't really understand the system. I am married 9not very happily) at the moment and wondered what my options were if I were to leave.

If you've checked the Benefits Calculator, the next place to look would probably be the Direct Gov site which sets out all the rules on benefits. There's a link in the section on housing benefit, for example, which lets you check your eligibility with your local council. The Citizens Advice Bureau is another good source of information.

If your marriage is struggling, think about counselling before making a decision. And do remember that, should you split, there would be some obligation on the part of your husband to keep supporting his family financially. Life as a single parent is sometimes the only solution but try to keep it as a last resort. Good luck

You will have to apply to several sources. Your local council will pay housing and council tax benefit. You will get income support or jobseekers allowance for yourself, get a form from your local jobcentre. If your youngest is over five you will get jobseekers and be expected to look for work, younger it will be income support. Child tax credits will adjust their amounts because you are on income support so you will need to contact them. You will continue to get child benefit. There are variables in tax credits but if you budget for £160pw (excluding housing and council tax benefit) you won't go wrong ( i am working now and rates change so don't know exact figures). The jobcentre tell people to give it up to six weeks but they may sort it all out sooner.

Housing benefit rates vary from area to area. It is called local housing allowance, you need to check the amount in your area before you look for a flat. The maximum amount I can get in my area is £499 PER MONTH for a two bed. Your area may be completely different. Forget the cap of £400pw, thats for people in London with large families. You also need to check your room entitlement. It will probably be two bedroom. If I remember rightly, opposite sex children can share until the oldest is ten. Same sex share. My council has all this info on it's website.

You will have to find a place before putting in the application for housing benefit. (that's why I said check the LHA rate). This is easier said than done as a lot of landlords won't take people on benefit. A lot of adverts also stipulate No children/pets/smokers. Often landlords willl want a guarantor if you are on benefit so you will probably have to find someone willing to do this. Another thing about private renting is that it is very insecure. A landlord can give you two months notice to leave without any reason.

You didn't say what is going on in your marriage but if there is any domestic violence involved there are charities that help women escape.

Anyhow, good luck whatever you decide.

all that is assuming you don't work. If you work you may be entitled to housing benefit if your income is low enough. And tax credits if your income is not too high.

Thanks for the info ladies, definately going to take some thinking aboutI have thought about going to councelling myself chil but I dont see my Husband thiking about it. Mothersnacker, I had forgotton too about landlords not wanting housing benefit etc and having to show that you can afford the rent ect - that is something else I would need to think about.
It is not domestic violence and I am not in physical danger mothersnacker. I wrote a post in relationships which I will try and get the link to, but it has become pretty bad now that he hardlt says a word to me all day!
I'm not sure what I am going to do yet. It i going to be very difficult to start again on my own with two little ones (18 months and another on the way)
I would love to go back to work again but obviously childcare is another issue.