Hi ladies, wasn't too sure where to post this really but my partner and i have chatted about separating for a number of reasons we are on good terms though but just feel it would be better to be apart however i haven't the first idea about going about anything. . .
firstly what can i do about housing as we currently rent privatly and i cannot afford the house alone?
Secondly does anyone know what i am entitled to claim?
Any advice would be greatly recieved.
many thanks.xxx

Hi hun,

Sorry to hear that but at least it's all amicable......sometimes you just have to do what feels right for all of you!

You would need to inform Child Benefit as you would be entitled to a slightly higher rate and they will send you a letter confirming this. Also, let tax credits know - think you may be entitled to more child tax credits but not sure. Once you've done this, contact your local council for forms regarding housing benefit (now called Local Housing Allowance) and Council Tax Benefit.....hopefully, by the time the forms for those come through, you should have letters from tax creds & child ben as you will need them for proof of ur incomings.

How many bedrooms does ur house have? As a single parent with one child, ur entitled to rent help for a 2 bedroom property (regardless of what size - they base it on bedrooms per person/couple now) which is about £150 a week currently. Check this site out https://lha-direct.therentservice.gov.uk/Secure/Default.aspx it will have info on there.

Hiya

Sorry to hear about your situation

I dont really have any advice about housing but just wanted to say that Child Benefit no longer have a higher rate for single parents - its being gradually phased out over the years and now everyone recieves the same rate for their eldest child and the same lower rate for any subsequent children.

You will have to contact Tax credits if your currently claiming that as a family - if you make a claim on your own then you need to work at least 16 hours to be entitled. Other than that its probably worth going to your local DWP office and asking about Income Support / Job seekeers - whilst your there, they will let you know what you are entitled to re rent help etc

... im sure there is a web site called entitled.com and you just put in your circumstances and it gives you a rough idea.

Good luck x