Separation mortgage and benefits HELP!

[Kezza27]

I have recently separated from my ex partner. We have two children 2 and 4. We jointly own a property that I will still be living in. I am a student and will need to claim benefits support until I qualify. I haven't done any of this before and don't know how it works.

I know child maintenance will not affect my benefits. However will they be affected if my partner pays the mortgage. The payment would continue to come from his account whilst all other bills will be transferred to me.

Please help. I'm not intending to fiddle the system merely I need to keep a roof over our heads and food in our bully's and am trying to work out the best way financially to do this.

Thank you in advance it really appreciate any support xxx

Ps I have no intention of claiming housing benefit what's do ever xx

As a student, the rules are different for you than other people so you might benefit from talking to your Student Services representative for advice.

Thank you. I forgot to mention I am only a part time student so therefore do not receive any funding or childcare support etc other than tuition fee loan. Thus I am in the same situation as any other single parent I suppose :)

It won't affect the benefits you're entitled to, however you will need to make sure everything is done by the book and on paper to show he isn't still living there - change everything to your name, get him on electoral role and bills, bank statements etc to new address.

Thanks rockchick I will be doing all that this month. He will obviously still be on the mortgage however. I just hope I can work through all this rigmarole. It's so hard and confusing. Thanks for your help and advice x

Doesn't matter that he's still on the mortgage - contact the lender and they will start sending correspondence out to you both separately, so more proof you aren't living together. Good luck with it all