Single Parent Family

[sheffielder]

My husband and I have just split up. We are still friends. He is going to live with with his Mum. The thing is, I have NEVER been a single parent and don't have a clue what I can claim and how to claim it etc. I have tried the web link entitled to but I don't know if I can still claim if we are still friends. What I mean is, he is still going to pay the mortgage and the house insurance so does this mean I cannot claim? I cannot afford the mortgage (there is no way) so he is going to pay it. We have 3 children (5, 4 and 2). I work between 6 and 15 hours a week. Please give me any advice you can because I am clueless!!!

[Kgrayz]

you should be entitled to claim as a single person now because your husband is no longer living with you.. you should also be entitled to child tax credits and working tax credits, you need to make a claim with HM Revenue and Customs. www.taxcredits.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/HomeNew.aspx

[bednobs]

however, be aware that any benefits you get will be defrayed by the csa in maintenance from your husband

[Kgrayz]

try and avoid using the csa if you can cause they are unreliable.. if you can work out something amicably between you all the better..

[daffy654]

When claiming benefits as a single parent you will be forced to get the CSA involved,the benefits agency will ask for the children's fathers name and address,any money he is ordered to pay will then be taken off any amount of benefit awarded to you at source.Problems can then occur if the father can't or won't pay as you will be the one left without money.

[sheffielder]

But surely I don not need to go to the CSA because he has agreed to give me the money already by paying the mortgage? Do I really still need to go through the CSA? I have looked on the tax credits wesite and what they will give me will more enough for me to live on so am I OK to just claim that?

[daffy654]

You will have no choice about the CSA i'm afraid.When you apply for benefits they ask you why you are applying,they will have to be told you have split from your husband,they will then ask for his details so they can make him pay his portion of the upkeep for your children.If you lie and tell them you don't know where he is they will find out you are lying and you will be liable to prosecution for benefit fraud.

[Tups]

It's very difficult, trying to understand all the information on the websites. I would suggest you go along to the job centre and ask them what your entitlements are. Let them do the hard work for you!

[aims1202]

if your husband and you have agreed the money he will pay you when you claim for benefits they will want to know all the details and then it will not go through the csa as long as they think its the right amount. instead of saying he's paying the mortgage tell them he is giving you that amount for the children. best to go to the job centre plus they will tell you everything you are entitled to.

[xcuriousx]

Hi dont worry about the CSA. What happens is that you give your husbands details to the CSA. They write to him, he will give him his details etc they will figure out an amount he has to pay and then tell you and him. This can take years by the way in my experience. They only take the money from him and deduct from you depending on what benefits you are on. My advice would be get your hours up to 16 per week. You will then not get Income Support but Working Tax and Child Tax instead. Any maintainence from you husband is NOT then taken into account. I have been in this position, went as far as the csa getting an amount but I have never pursued it, me and my ex came to our own arrangement and there has been no need for anything else. But yes go straight to the job centre. They will fast track your claims because you are single parent. Do not worry they are helpful and it is all relatively straightforward. Hope this is clear and helps a bit. Good luck!

[missjynxy]

starting from 27th october the csa is changing. you will no longer have to claim through them if you are on benefits. Parents with care can choose to leave the CSA and make their own arrangements for child maintenance with the other parent of their child(ren).