Hi, I'm newly seperated. At the moment hubby still lives with myself and our twin boys. That isnt going to last as I want him out due to anger issues and his attitude towards me and my boys. I also have M.E. (cronic fatigue syndrome) which means that I dont have an income as I cant work any more. He also does most of the house work as I cant do that either. I have no idea where to go, what to do, what to ask or what help I can get. I dont know where to start??!! Help please
Hi Claire
What a difficult situation you're facing.
Do you have family close by who can support you? It does take such courage to leave an abusive partner.
I'm guessing that a starting point will be to get support from your GP.
It may be worth phoning the social services to have a chat, as they may be able to offer practical help. Are you in receipt of disabled living allowance? I have very severe athritis, and once diagnosed I was able to apply for this.
With regards to benefits, you need to make an appointment with the lone-parent advisor at the local jobcentre. I'm not sure if you'll be able to talk things through on the phone.
Citizens Advice Beaurau are also a good source of advice too.
The main thing is to try and be as calm as you can. Don't rush into any agreements or settlements without giving them some thought and seeking advice.
This is a brilliant place for support.
I'm sure Louise or Anna will be able to direct you to a site.
Hi clairebrown
Sorry to hear you are going through this: it must be very hard to have him still living in the house and the soooner you make the break, the sooner you can start to move forward with your life.
There are a number of issues to consider. How old are your boys? If under seven then you may be entitled to claim Income Support. although it is worth asking about Disability Living Allowance as well, depending on how your ME affects you. If your boys are seven or older then you may have to apply for Employment Support Allowance. Anyway here are a couple of useful pages about benefits, click here and also here
Have a think about where you are living, will you be able to stay there? If renting you may get Housing Benefit to help with the rent.
You are entitled to support from the boys' father, see here for the Child Support Agency.
I am aware that I have given you a lot of links and we have a service that would really help you with all financial matters, a specialist 1-2-1 advisor. Click here to get in touch with them and they will be able to clarify things.
Hope this is a helpful starting point. Keep posting and we will keep supporting you.
Hi clairebrown
Sorry to hear what you are going through . You are in the right place for support as i am new here in last week or so and everybody has been great with support as i am going through a split with my GF & DD at the moment. Others will know more about what to do and support etc than me but keep your chin up at the moment and keep posting remember you are not alone on this forum.