We understand that separation is often hard on all involved and there are many things to think about. We hope this checklist that we have used in the past with our users will help make some of the practical things required easier.
As you decide to separate, you will need to consider everything that is currently shared / joint for you as a couple – this all needs to be separated. You may wish to work through our moving home checklist to ensure any housing issues are separated effectively: Checklist for moving home
- Inform NIHE of your intended / immediate separation. Clarify which of you is leaving the family home – NIHE creates two separate housing claims
- Discuss access / visitation with any children – will this be amicable, or do you need to seek legal advice? Family Mediation NI works with a couple to identify how separation or divorce will affect the family and to find agreement about co-parenting. To find out more, call 028 9024 3265 or email [email protected] – please note both parents need to individually want to start this, and interpreters are available for your assessment.Parenting decisions can be hard during this season – these organisations offer some useful tips: Helping Your Child Cope with Your Divorce or Separation | NSPCC
- Is there any concern around Domestic Violence or any concern for safety for yourself or your children? If so, you can report this and seek help at Domestic abuse | nidirect or Women's Aid Federation Northern Ireland (womensaidni.org)
- Seek legal advice to begin divorce proceedings if relevant
- If you have been on one of the legacy benefits (such as JSA) and not on Universal Credit (UC), a separation may trigger a change to two separate UC accounts once one of you has moved out. If so, apply for online Universal Credit account at Universal Credit online - Universal Credit (universal-credit.service.gov.uk), and follow the other advice for house moves (above) Some agreement will be needed on who the children lives with – see mediation options above.
- If you are already on UC then report change of circumstances and create a new single person claim if you are the parent leaving the home
- Separation may trigger other changes to benefits eg DLA / PIP / carer’s – this may all change with your change in circumstances eg if a disabled child is staying with mum but DLA claim is in dad’s name. Be sure to report changes in circumstances to all your benefit agencies and they will guide you as to next steps.
- Do you as a couple have a joint bank account? If so, then ask the bank for the process to take one name off the account and create a new account for the person removed. There may need to be an interim standing order payment set up from one parent to another until both benefit accounts are complete or to cover bills. Details may need to be changed on some direct debits. Card details will need changed for Giff Gaff recurring goody bags.
- Change the name on the wifi if relevant – the person whose name is on the account needs to give permission for this to happen.
- If you are the parent who will not live with the children, you can no longer claim school meals and uniforms – this claim must be in the name of the parent with whom the children will remain.
- Remove name of the person moving out from all other joint accounts. Change the name on gas and electric if necessary.