seperation

[Hatty666]

Sadly me and my husband our going our separate ways. We have 2 children who I think no longer come under dependants. 1 17 and working and 1 19 year old going to university. My husband runs his own business. We have no assets - that I am aware of? he is very secretive (which is one of our problems) and rent privately. I am getting mixed messages as to what I am entitled too.

He is offering me half my rent for "up to 2 years"! and that is it. I work part time 28.5 hrs but when I look on the benefits calculator I am not entitled to anything. However my salary is no where near enough to rent even a studio flat and live on which I really don't want as my daughters would like to be with me. I am trying to increase my hours and have looked at cheaper places to live.
He however has absolutely no worries and can afford to live where he chooses and live stress free. I am absolutely panicking and I know there are people worse off.
But, does anyone know where I stand? I don't think he has to support me. If he meets someone/ I think may have already- they are not going to be happy with him paying towards my rent.
I did own my own flat when we met 21 years ago.

Sorry that I'm not much help here..😕...but with you only doing 28.5 hours and children have grown up, is a similar situation to my friend, who I know claims just working tax credits that tops her money up to I think 40 hours?...but I'm pretty sure she does roughly around 16-20 hours a week.
You must be entitled to something as how could anyone afford rent/council tax/utilities on £120 a week ?
My advice would be to contact welfare rights....Good luck OP..👍

Are you married OP?

Check out entitledto.com for benefits advice.
No suggestions re financial settlement but you can put a claim against his pension i think. Best see a solicitor.

Thank you all. I am absolutely gutted and sad it has come to this!! Yes we have been married for nearly 20 years. He has no pension - another sore point. I am really no opposed to full time but as I work term time it does not increase it by much. I am a nurse so I can do extra shifts in school holidays.
I do feel angry that I am the one panicking when ironically he is the one who gets into debt/is secretive and had an affair in the past. ( sorry extra rant there)
I checked out all the gov websites but each come up with nothing!. I am going to go on Monday but I think you don't really know until you apply.
Co-incidentally he told me our landlord has given notice (2months) as they are returning to uk. I am not entirely convinced that he hasn't given our notice?? I just feel I have not had any breathing space to come to terms with it/plan and he seems to have all in order. I still love him despite that past so am dealing with that and this money worry and have 2 months before we have to move out.
Thank you for any support and advice. I'm so sad that I may lose my children and dogs and be living in a shared house at 49. Is that selfish?

Nope its not selfish. It is understsndable. However if you think he is lying about the landlord contact them yourself you will need them for a reference anyway when you move.
Doesnt have to be a shared house contact local council maybe housing associations where you live may not be as difficult as some places to rent. Some housing assoc do intermediate rent to buy.
Move to a cheaper area nurses are required natuonally saw an add once for somewhere on the cost where they offered burseries and accomodation because there was a shortage.
You never know this might be a wholr new life about to open up for you.

You would be able to put in a claim for housing benefit & council tax relief

Has your husband left your rented property now?

Wow he has done you up like a kipper. What happened to the money from the flat you used to own? You need to see a solicitor pronto. The courts don't like spousal maintenance these days but you sound like you have a very good case for it. How come you only work term time if you're a nurse? I would be looking for a full time role with a pension if I were you.

If you go to the district council and explain what you have here

Ask your husband for proof of the landlord serving notice as you need this to show the council.....if the excuses start you’ll know he’s bullshiting

You do need the notice to show the council as they will need this to process you as homeless

If he has left the property and living elsewhere then you need to put in a claim for housing benefit to help pay the rent - but you will need the tenancy agreement- so ask husband for this as well

Thank you for all you replies and help. This is such a great site for support. I have the email although it looks odd tbh, but I may be looking for it to be. Maybe having our notice has triggered him to go through with this.
He is still here and I have found somewhere but absolutely panicking that he will not pay/ stop after a few months etc.

the latest excuse is “ he wants to be on his own with no responsibilities.

I am going to contact benefits office and housing.
Again thank you and if you know of anyone is similar situation I would much appreciate xx

I am a school nurse for nhs with a pension, I can and will do extra in holidays in the hospital x

I’m glad your going to contact housing benefit housing department before you do anything

I would also get some advice from cab or solicitor if you are able to find legal advice that is.

I did wonder if you were a school nurse.

Also remember that in the next 18 months UC will be introduced and therefore everyone will be migrated into this benefit, from housing benefit but not local council tax relief. As a warning they want people working full time & claimants have to make time for appointments to see them to have interviews as to how they can work more and develop careers.