Seperating Soon

[martin35]

Good Afternnon,

I am posting this query because I am very unsure of my entitlements...if any.

I am married with 2 children but we are seperating soon.

I am mid 40's and haven't worked for 2 years due to illness altho I had cut back on work when our first child came along nearly 5 years ago to look after him. Since taking ill I have receive no payment due to my wife's salary and I was self employed for 6 years prior to that. I am fully recovered thankfully from the illness.

We will have a mediated agreement with maintenance payments.

When we seperate I will have the kids 5 days and 5 nights a week.

Can anybody advise what payment I am entitled to from the state?
I believe I am entitled to a carers payment for my son's condition but not until we are seperated as this is means tested?

Any info wil be greatly appreciated and I will reply with further info if I have not included relevant info.

Thank you

 

[niceoneted]

Martin 35 are you remaining in the family home which while I know it is not my business I hope you are if the kids are to be with you 5 out of 7 days/nights.
You will probably be entitled to the one parent family allowance. Perhaps one of the others more familiar with these payments or see this link http://www.citizensinformation.ie/e...s_and_children/one_parent_family_payment.html
Good luck with it all.

 

[Bronte]

What you get from the state will be based on your means. If you are supported by your wife (maintenance) then it will presumably depend on your maintenance. Have a look at the social welfare website. Also they produce a book about all entitlements, if you pop down to your local social welfare office and find someone friendly they can discuss what you may or may not be entitled to.

 

[Welfarite]

You must be separated three months before you can get One-parent Family Payment (OFP). Carer's Allowance is only payable if the person you are caring for is over 16 years of age but this may be on interest to you. As you are now fit for work, an option may be Jobseeker's Allowance. There is a key post guide on the Redundancy and Jobseeker's thread that you should read about jobseekers' options.