not married, 2 kids, splitting up

[Parbold]

Any advice greatly appreciated. Lived in my partners house 12yrs, have 2 children together (7 & 8), he wants me to leave but we've nowhere to go & I don't know anything about benefits. Have always worked FT & whilst he paid mortgage in his name only, I've paid for everything for the kids, including their food! I was made redundant in March due to I'll health & I've lived off redundancy since. When I leave I won't be able to work FT due to school hours/childcare costs but want to work whilst they're at school - all these jobs are v.low pay & I don't know how I'll pay rent, bills etc. Their dad says he won't pay the £400 p/mth the government website suggests he pay so what do I do?
I can afford 1 month private rent & deposit but what happens then? I have redundancy of about £20k left, can I get housing benefit & working tax credit if I have that or do I have to use it all first then hope I get benefits (else we then risk homelessness).
I want to stay local so kids stay at school & near paternal grandparents to whom they're extremely close so they maintain stability through the break up.
Any advice gratefully received, thank you

well, he's no loss but that doesn't help you. What a bastard - sounds like he has never supported his kids and is now definitely telling you that they are on their own.

first call is to Shelter for advice. Child maintenance can be enforced so it won't be as easy as thinks to throw you all out and ignore you.

I hope the paternal grandparents are going to be more use than their son.

I wish you the best.

Please go and see a solicitor and speak to child maintenance people. A solicitor should give you a free inital consulation regarding your rights within that home, I don't think you have many but you might have something with children involved. As for child maintenance, it's a criminal offence not to pay it, and it will cost him a ridiculous amoutn more each more if they enforce it for you rather than he just pays up himself.

Good luck.

Many thanks both, I'll start with Shelter re: housing then find a solicitor. Didn't realise he'd pay more if it was enforced; that should prompt payments from him! Also had no idea Shelter would be able to help us, I always assumed it was for those who were literally homeless - thank you.

they help everyone re all aspects of housing. The very best to you and hope it all works out.