After 6years of trying to make our marriage work we have decided to end our 15yr marriage (20yrs together). I have initiated the split and moved into our spare room. Things are amicable at the moment and we have agreed to wait until after Christmas before we make our separation public knowledge. We have 2 children (10 &12) I want my husband and children to remain in the house as I want as little disturbance and upset for my children as possible. However, I'm on around 23k a year and can't afford rent on a 3 bed house myself and money is tight for us anyway.
Does anyone know if I would be entitled to any benefits to afford rent so I can move out and have room for my 2children to stay with me 50% of the time? I have seen so much conflicting advice.
I know I'm entitled to part of the equity in our home at the moment but I really don't want to go down that route and risk my children losing the house they love.