What benefits would a single mother of 3 young children receive?

[cafebistro]

That's it really. Having found myself possibly in this situation and never having claimed anything apart from Child Benefit and a little Working Tax Credit I haven't a clue how I will manage. I'm not working at the moment but plan to in the near future.
Could anyone in my situation give me a run down of what and how much they receive in benefits so I don't feel so overwhelmed

Are you working? If you are, for how many hours?

That makes a difference to what you can claim.

No I'm not working at the moment as my DP/ex DP works such long hours and we have no childcare. But I plan to work part time when I move out.

how old are the children ?

They're 2, 4 and 7.

A single mum of 3 who is not working, would usually recieve
Income support/Jobseekers Allowance (dependant on ages of children), No more income support once your youngest child turns 5.
Child benefit
and Child tax credits.
Might be worth looking at this to give you a muh better and acurate overview
DWP

Try popping your details in here.

Housing benefit - as per your local authority limit pw ( for e.g. - for 3 bed here, you can get 110 quid a week ) - might not cover your rent/mortgage though.
Child tax credits
child benefits
council tax credits
free school meals
This would all amount to a sum that is designed to cover all your outgoings - and keep a roof over g=heads/utilities etc - it can amount up to £1400 pm in the North - and possibly more depending on your housing/location
Inexplicable, I think this is ON TOP OF any maintenance your partner will pay.

possibly Housing and Council Tax benefit(plus reduction for single adult occupant) depending on your savings and if/where you move to. Ideally you and children would stay and he move out.

Thanks for the link.

Don't forget that your exP would also still be responsible for the financial maintenance of your children. There is a calculator available on the CSA website here and you can always work out your own arrangement. Maintenance money does not count as income for benefit purposes.