Bit complex - H and I have split (not divorced) but have to live together still - can I claim any benefits?

[BoisJacques]

Long time coming, but, H and I have mutually decided we have come to the end of the road. We have to live together though - our house is rented out and we are living at his mums (!) We are not divorcing yet, but, can I claim any single persons benefits? I cannot work, with three kids 5 and under, just yet but I do not want to be financially dependant on him (this could be whipped out from under me at any time, as much as I do not want to rely on state handouts :() I am not sure how it works - We will not be sharing a bedroom, H has agreed to go in with the boys and we are not in any way a 'married couple' - except no divorce and living in the same house. Can anyone help me?

I really don't think you will be able to. The benefits are for people paying mortgages, bills etc on their own surely?

How would they know you really were split up?

I am not sure - but I cannot move out because I have no where to go, at least not until the tenancy is up but can you really not live in the same house? We have talked and it makes sense. I still have bills to pay for, but now I am relying on Hs good grace to pay my bills.

I'd ask on the money saving experts benefits board - I think people have managed to claim benefits in your position but it can be difficult.

How are you doing - must be horrible needing to live with your Hs mum. Is there any way you could look into renting privately yourself - you would get benefits then and I imagine it would be better for your state of mind. I am relatively recently separated and just before H left was horrible and if we had been with his parents it would have been a lot worse.

Here is rhe MSE benefits forum - I would ask there as there will probably be someone who knows more there.

I cannot rent and get HB - we have a house. We are happy, for the time being, to live together - we are being civil and we have had issues with DS (very unsettled) so I really need to try and keep things as normal as possible - he has only had 2 weeks at his new school for example. I am planning to work full time in the near future, then I can start to move out etc., but, since we are both being 'OK' with it all, it seemed silly to move out 'just because'. I do not know what it will be like when we tell MIL, I do worry a little bit it will go downhill because I do look like I am taking H for a complete ride by staying here.

Thankyou. I am willing to divorce, just it is complex with the house - I presume though we can just change our marital status on the mortgage, rather than re-mortgage? TOtal mine field.

So he would pay you maintenance?