Can I claim benefits while still living with ex DP

[PhilippeFlop]

I've posted this in money matters too.

Hi, DP and I have split up, it's been a long time coming really. We have two very young DCs (1&2) I am a SAHM, we live in DPs house that he owns. I cannot afford to move out until I am back working which won't be until the kids are eligible for free hours at nursery.

Does anyone know if I will be able to claim any benefits in this situation? All our finances are separate, no joint accounts, mortgages etc

Who will be paying the mortgage?bills? Buying food?

Planning to stay living with your ex for several years is a very unusual situation, if he is no longer financially supporting you as a family you can claim but I think you may have to jump through a lot of hoops and you'll have to 'prove' that you are no longer living as a couple and he is no longer supporting you.

Why do you have to wait for the children to get childcare before you can look for work?

Either he changes his job so he can help with childcare or he pays towards it.

I think you need legal advice.

Are you contributing towards bills?

If you're not married, I think you're in a precarious position as you could be kicked out of his house & only getting minimal maintenance.

I don't have any income so I'm not contributing towards bills.

I will not be able to earn enough to cover childcare costs with both DCs being so young.

I know I'm in a shit situation and I'm bloody scared about what will happen.

Could you go to your local council and put yourself down for a council house?
Im not really sure how it works but i would of thought you could be put down on the waiting list.
If you cant work then you cant work, its a unfortunate situation. Can he not provide childcare at all? They are his children as well. Work nights?

I am going to go to a drop session at my local council/CAB this afternoon to see where I stand re housing and benefits.

ExDP is self employed and his work is all day work.

I may be able to get help with childcare from my family and his so will make some calls today.

My head is spinning to be honest, I don't know where to start.

Thank you for everyone's advice, it really is helping me make a plan.

This maybe out off date information..........

But talk to child tax credits about your circumstances, I have known people in a similar position to you, CTC have then separated their income from their OH, which then gave them extra help, also if you get a job you will get help with child care based on your wage alone (I think)

So it works like this..
Tell them.
Get a job, sort child care out
Once earning move out.

It's not long term they will investigate especially if the claim keeps running.

You need to find a job, to get you on your feet.

Sorry if it sound a bit clinical, and sorry if my information is now out of date. But do rung them for advice.

Your situation sounds shit, I'm sorry

Hi OP, I work in welfare rights. The DWP use a 5 point legal test to establish whether two people are a couple. Living in the same house is just one of them.
Put in a claim and in the "any other information" box tell them that: (for example)
You are only sharing accommodation for financial reasons
You no longer socialise as a couple
You have separate rooms
You no longer have shared finances
You buy groceries separately, keep them in separate cupboards and don't keep to the same mealtimes.
Etc...
They might take a bit of convincing and it's possible you will have to argue it at reconsideration or appeal.
But in principle there's no reason why you shouldn't be entitled. I've certainly seen lots of other people in your situation make successful claim.
Good luck.

Childcare for two children that age will be expensive.

I would think you can't get benefits, because how would they be sure you are truly split and it's not a benefits scam.

The fact that you don't contribute towards bills, because you don't have income and can't, would be an indicator of not being fully detached, because I'm sure your Ex wouldn't allow any random woman to live with him for free.

sandy

in IME of my friends who have gone through This, is that CTC works differently to the other benefits, like income support, job seekers ect.

If Op can get a job (pt/ft) gets help with childcare, then she can move out, then she can apply for other help like housing benefit.

Gingerbread is a good site to visit, they have lots of links to currant information, and lots of experienced people to chat to.

When i first became a single mum i worked 2 nights a week, 2 nights that was never together. So exp would have dd at night, if finish at 7 in the morning, go to sleep for a couple of hours. Dont get my wrong, it was bloody hard work and i was tired but i was never at work the next night so knew id get some sleep that night. So it could be done, if he was willing to have them at night and start work a little later. He's self imployed so surely he can do that a couple of mornings a week?

That sounds very do able vodka I could probably pick up some night work at my DMs place of work so I will look into that too.

Once again, I am truly grateful for everyone's help and advice on here:

Like i said, youll be so so tired. But it gives you money and independance and thats so important. Plus it gets you out meeting people again. I met my bestfriend at my workplace, we go out on nights out together and she has been my rock these last 6 months

I will not be able to earn enough to cover childcare costs with both DCs being so young.

Please remember that childcare costs are 50% your ex's responsibility and it is no more your job to fit work around them than it is his. If you end up working part time, please do not end up looking after them on your days off and then paying 50% (or more) of the childcare on the days you work, while he pays nothing for those days you're looking after them. Aim for a fair arrangement that allows you the same freedom he enjoys.

I was able to get benefit from DWP in my case ESA, i also couldn't prove separation financially or with bills as i had no income of my own prior. I applied & DWP phoned making out it was unlikely to be awarded & I'd need a home visit to check living arrangements (hoping I'd give up I think), after nearly 2 months I assume they had nobody to come out so awarded it anyway. They also tried to tell me I only had so long to move out but council housing officer told me this wasn't true.

You should get housing benefit, can have a look online on council website & how to apply. They assess situation and give you a priority banding for housing list and can then bid on what's available or use it for private rent. There's a £rate per area & property size they deem you'll need. The exDP can give you date to leave evidence I.e making you homeless but can mean you'll be placed anywhere in district so its better to plan a move. You may also need to prove you don't have some claim to house if its not rented, but your best off speaking to them direct.

I don't have children, but it tends to mean your more likely to get help so their welfare doesn't suffer and its likely other benefits that will apply.

Hi, I am in this exact situation right now and was wondering what you ended up doing?