Help and advice needed due to partner walking out

[Guest Another Spartacus]

My friends partner is leaving the matrimonial home tomorrow and she has no idea what she may be able to claim (she has never had to claim benefits before)

 

Her circumstances are:

 

Two children, one child is under seven.

 

She doesn't work.

 

She is on strong medication for depression (due to husband leaving her)

 

The home is rented

 

Where does she start in the benefit maze?

 

Any information will be most grateful.

 

x

[martin2006]

if your friend goes online to "turntous", there is a benefits calculator which, if she enters her information, will give a generally correct idea if what she may be entitled to. Thats probably the best place to start. Applications for benefits can also be made online.

[martin2006]

She should be entitled to:

 

Housing benefit

Council tax benefit/support including single persons allowance

Income support/ESA depending on medical condition

Child tax credits

 

And possible others depending on full circumstances

[Guest Another Spartacus]

Thank you x

[martin2006]

There are other online calculators

 

http://Www.entitledto.co.uk

 

turn2us is the one associated with the .gov website

[Nystagmite]

If youngest is under 5, income support is an option.

[*RainbowTears*]

I totally feel for your friend, I was in a similar situation a couple years back. I am Ill & disabled & I did not have a clue what I was meant to do, I felt so lost.

 

So with a friend's help, I rang the benefits line & got through to a helpful lady. I fully explained I was on heavy pain medications & that I did not know what benefits I could claim & that I was struggling to cope with what was happening.

 

So do tell whomever your friend speaks too about her medication upfront.

 

With help from my friend & the DWP I found claiming benefits a much easier prospect than I originally thought it would be.

 

A few things I recommend.

 

Do record all calls if you can.

 

Do write down the dates, contact name, numbers, dept etc of any calls made.

 

Do tell anyone spoken to about friends medication upfront.

 

If you don't understand something, ask for it to be repeated, do not just agree, as mistakes can be made.

 

 

As daunting as this seems right now, your friend will get through it. She's also got you supporting her & that's truly a great blessing as mine was for me.

 

Good luck!! xXx