My husband walked out on me and our two children five months ago. In that time I have managed to sort my finances out so that I can still make ends meet, and he is now paying an agreed amount of maintenance regularly.
I work very part time (7 hours per week) and claim Carer's Allowance. I am finding work increasingly difficult now. I work some weekdays, sometimes a Sunday, and Ex DH is totally unreliable for childcare at weekends and in school holidays. He let me down for a Sunday recently and I had to beg someone at the last minute to have my children for me so that I could work.
Both of my children have disabilities and receive DLA. I am in a position right now where I feel that I need to give up work, partly because of child care issues, but also because it is too much when struggling to care for two children with lots of issues, with no support from anyone.
Does anyone know whether if I resigned from my job I would be eligable to claim Income Support with no questions asked, given that I am a carer? I know it would be a reduced amount as I claim Carer's Allowance, but I have worked it out that I am actually no better off working than I would be if I left, and my health since my separation has not been good, so I feel I need a break from it.My boss has told me that he would have me back at any time in the future should I be ready.
Also, does the amount of maintenance my ex pays for the children count towards Income Suport payments?
Thanks in advance for any help x