overwhelmed and need guidance

[dreampscape]

I know that this has probably been posted before however just need a little help. I was made redundant in October 2008, I've had work since however only on a temporary (relief) basis but have managed to secure almost full time hours but it's not guaranteed and could change month by month. I have just recently separated from my partner; I am current living in the family home with my 2 children (aged 2 and 4) this is mortgaged in joint names. I have contacted the social welfare offices however given my emotional state at present I'm feeling a little overwhelmed by the whole process and to be honest Social Welfare weren't very helpful (keep getting differing info).

Please can anyone give me some guidance on where to go from here? I not from Ireland and therefore have no family supports but my partner is so I've been reliant on his family for childcare etc since we started our family. Just to confirm that this is a permanent separation so there is no chance of reconciliation and at present I'm only claim Child Benefit.

If you need further info. just give just let me know.

Thanks in advance

 

[Welfarite]

Firstly, you should claim One-parent Family Payment by completing the forms and submitting them to Social Welfare.
Secondly, if you unemployed, then you should claim Jobseeker's payments from Social Welfare (read the keypost guide at top of this forum).
Thirdly, when you have lodged these claims, contact your local Community Welfare Office regrading the possibility of a temporary weekly payment while waiting for the SW claims to be processed.