What now?

[Takamine]

I think it is ending between me and DH.

Together 10 years, 3 DC.

I'm on to practicalities now. He said he is going to move out. He is the earner, and although I work, my wage is minimal, it wouldn't cover the rent for example.

I have been on to a benefit checker website and I can see that with everything I would be entitled to I could remain in our home with the children, however I'm unsure about time frames and the fact that we are married, will this mean I won't be able to claim?

I've probably put this in the wrong place!

Once he has moved out and you are separated you can claim. Some benefits will take into account child maintenance, others like tax credits don't.

Thank you for replying. I doubt he will be paying child maintenance.

Does the claim take long? I'm worried about the rent, we are on a rolling contract so if I'm late they will just boot us out.

Do you already get child benefit?

Why won't he pay maintenance?

I read on a different thread that as soon as you decide to separate you can apply even if still living together. After all, not everyone would be able to afford to move out straight away but that doesn’t stop you being separated.

You can apply for housing and council tax benefit in advance in some places. Call the council and ask or check the website. It's all done online here, a London borough. I'm not sure if you can apply for tax credits in advance but it's worth getting a firm date when your ex is going and giving HMRC a call to ask for advice. Sorry you are going through this.

Rolling contract or not your landlord cannot just boot you out, you need to be in arrears before they can apply to the courts to start the eviction process. This takes time and hopefully you will be able to apply for housing benefit to cover this before any court orders are in place. Speak to your LL or agent and explain the situation rather than just building up arrears. Many LLs are understanding about a change in circumstance and will allow time for benefits to come through, as long as you have a good history of payment and have been good tenants to date.

Why won't your DCs father be paying child maintenance?

Our housing benefit claim didn't take too long. It was definitely less than the 6 weeks they said it would take.

If he is the earner, could he not pay the rent until your benefits are sorted? That is where his children will be living after all!

He will need to fund his accommodation, he may do in time but I don't want to rely. Also I'm trying to minimise any source of aggravation to make this as easy on the children as possible, it;s going to be bad enough as it is for them.

Thanks everyone - I might give the council a call