Has anyone been in my position? How did you cope?

[november90]

I have a 3 year old and currently 24 weeks pregnant. Been with my partner 8 years and married for one. He's just left me, I did not see it coming.
I'm so worried about finances. I work 20 hours a week and only claim for the standard £80 a month that everyone is entitled to.
This has only just happened so we are not divorced yet. Am I entitled to any finically support? I've rang citizens advice and they have just sent me a lot of links and I feel so overwhelmed.
I just feel like i trusted someone, shared vows, have a family... and they have just deserted me. :( I'm now a single mum and I just don't know how I will cope.

Phone tax credits and explain your new situation. If you are in rented accommodation the council will pay towards your rent. If you own the property you won't get help.

You are definitely entitled to universal credit. My friend is in a similar position and gets £1600 a month for 2 children, that includes help with her rent. She works around 16 hours a week. You can apply online.
Sorry to hear about your break up.

Yes, it was blooming hard work but I coped. Will the children’s father still see the kids? Can you apply for maintenance ?

I’m sorry. Put in an immediate application for child support and see if you can have an appointment at the benefits office or CAB to help with your entitlement and how to fill in forms.

I work 20 hours a week but will be on maternity leave soon. I am living at my parents soon as we were both staying there whilst we paid off our wedding :( Does anyone know if that would effect me negatively? I can't move out now... I can't be on my own. I need my mum :(

I know I need to speak to the professionals but I can't keep myself together. Does being married but separated mean I have an entitlement? Or will it only come with a divorce?
I spoke to citizens advise today who are going to email me some things but I don't know where to start!
I think finically we should be able to come up with an agreement amicably of what he pays me, but that will only cover bills and not all my children's things.
I'm distraught!

OP you can apply for universal credit. This is made up of a standard allowance of £317.82 if you're over 25 and £231.67 per child or if the first child was born before April 2017 it's £277.08. Any earnings above this amount is taken into account and a tariff income calculation applied. It doesn't sound like you need to claim help with housing costs but may need help with childcare costs.

Follow this link for everything UC there's also a calculator to work out how much you will be entitled to
www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-guides/Universal-Credit/What-is-Universal-Credit#guide-content

If he works you can claim maintenance off of him. If he refuses you can take him to court which I'm sure he wouldn't want. Apply for universal credit, you will get financial help if you're only working 20 hours a week.