Single mum, what help can i get?

[Bexiloumoon]

My partner told me last night he doesn't want to be with me, he doesn't love me and basically he can't stand to be around me anymore. However, although I am emotionally shattered, I have to be practical and think about what I'm going to do financially as we have a 15 month old little boy.

Since I went back to work my partner has paid the rent/bills ect while I've taken care of the food shop and childcare bill as my wage was reduced drastically by my part time hours. My question is, I don't want to leave the house we are renting, this is my sons home, everything is here, but I can't afford the £600 rent, never mind the council tax ect...would I be able to get help with these as my earnings on my own are a measly £9,000 a year currently? I don't think I could afford to rent privately anywhere with a monthly wage of £780 but then I don't think the council would house me either? I'm really not sure where to turn, I had a life with this man, I had plans and now my whole life and future has been shattered in one night.

Yes you will be entitled to benefits, make an appointment at your local CAB today.

You would need to put in a claim for child tax credits and working tax credits.if you work more than 16 hours a week you would get wtc and help with childcare. If you are in a Universal credit area then you would claim that instead ( it rolls all the benefits into one ). Don't forget to claim as much child maintainance as you can from him - go through CMS. Sorry for what you are going through.

Housing: assuming you rent jointly with your partner you need to contact the landlord to see if (s)he will put the lease in your single name. If you don’t satisfy usual income and credit checks the LL is entitled to give notice in accordance with the terms of your lease. Until that time your partner is jointly and severally liable for the rent so you need to make sure he keeps paying. You need to start planning ahead in terms of your own options should you be evicted. Your local authority have a responsibility to House you if you are truly homeless and have a strong local connection (usually if you have lived in the area 3+ years but varies) but it may not be in the sort of place you want or even in the local area if there is a shortage. Speak to your housing officer on a “hypothetical” basis to find out what happens in your area

Income: if you work fewer than 16 hours you may qualify for income support. You will also get Housing benefit to cover rent. Your partner must pay towards the costs of your child- either by informal arrangement or through more official channels. You will also qualify for council tax support.

Debts- are there any debts in your joint names? If so you remain liable for these.

Money - if you have a joint bank account he can remove all funds from this. You would be advised to set up an account in your sole name and move enough money into that account to pay for things you usually pay for.

Thank you Homebythesea, we actually rent our house from friends so the chance of being evicted doesn't exist thankfully. Both of our names are on the tenancy and they have said that if I want to stay they will get a new agreement with just my name made up. Would I be able to claim the maximum housing benefit and then make up the rest as I don't believe it will cover the whole amount itself?

I currently work 22.5 hour a week, although I work different hours each day. No debts in our joint name but we do have a joined bank account but he pays all my bills (car insurance, phone bill ect) so I couldn't withdraw any money anyway as its his money going into the bill account. The only thing I would be able to take would the be £80 a month for my baby that goes in there I think?

You wouldn't get all your rent paid , it would depend on your earnings and how much you get in tax credits. Is it a 3 bed house or two? You would only be entitled to the rate for a 2 bed.

Its a three bed, two doubles and a tiny box room. I have had a look and I think I would need to make up £30 a month on the rent by the look of it which is fine. I've never made a claim for any benefit in my life though so I'm really unsure where to start. Do I just go to CAB and they will help me?

Yes CAB will help you with a benefit check. Make sure you separate all finances and that he has no post still coming to your home.

If the money for bills is being put in a joint bank account you and he have equal rights to withdraw the money regardless of the fact that the on,y depositor is him. What happens when/if he stops paying “your” bills? Car insurance is the most important to ensure keeps being paid.

Good news about your rental situation but as pp have said the HB may leave a shortfall.

As you work over 16 hours you need to look at tax credits.

CAB will go through everything with you so you claim everything you are entitled to. But be prepared to think about prioritising your expenditure and/or finding ways to maximise your income as it is likely to be far less than you are used to

This is a good place to start

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/ending-a-relationship/

And here

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/help-if-on-a-low-income/

Personally I've found cab not great on benefits advice. I've found welfare rights offices (council based) tend to be more up to date.

Is the £30 bedroom tax?

Are you in a universal credit area or one that is going over to UC soon?

Definitely separate finances ASAP. If you haven't already get your own current account at minimum.

Get cms, tax credits and benefits forms ordered (depending on UC info) ASAP it takes time to do all this collect evidence etc. So best to get cracking.

Make sure you're not paying or named on any bills for luxuries you don't want/need or get name removed ASAP (eg his car ins, sky sports, his phone bill...)

Write down all income and outgoings and consider where you can make cuts.