If one income now has to cover your home, start by checking help with rent and Council Tax. In England, most working-age parents making a new claim look at Universal Credit. Some housing situations use Housing Benefit instead.
England · Checked 17 September 2026
The housing amount depends on eligibility, your household and the rent rules that apply to your tenancy. Do not assume that a payment covering your previous home will cover a new one.
Before committing to a tenancy, compare the rent with the amount of help available and the other bills you will pay. If your child stays in two homes, ask how the child’s living arrangements affect your particular housing calculation rather than assuming both homes receive the same allowance.
Ask your council about its Crisis and Resilience Fund. Current guidance for England identifies this as a possible source of extra help with rent, a deposit or moving costs. Availability and decisions depend on your circumstances and the council’s scheme.
Council Tax Reduction is separate from rent support. Ask the council whether you qualify; do not assume a Universal Credit claim has completed that application for you.
Contact the council’s housing service as soon as you are worried about losing your accommodation. Explain any children living with you and any immediate safety concern. A benefits enquiry and a homelessness enquiry address different needs.
If you already receive Universal Credit and become homeless, report it through your account. You can ask your work coach about adjusting your work-related requirements while you look for accommodation.
This guide explains general rules and services. It does not assess your individual case.
Information checked on 17 September 2026.
Based on the original article by Elisabeth Scholander.
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England
Law
After separation, you may still share responsibility for important decisions about your child. In England, this is called parental responsibility. It is separate from how many nights your child spends in each home.
England
Law
A child arrangements plan explains where your child lives, when they spend time with each parent and how everyday care works. In England, parents can make their own agreement when it is safe to do so. If agreement is not possible, the Family Court can decide.
England
Law
If arrangements for your child cannot be agreed, the Family Court can decide where they live, who they spend time with or a specific question such as schooling. Here is what usually happens in England, and what you can prepare at each stage.
Research
Psychologist Maria Farm and journalist Lisa Bjärbo wrote a Swedish-language book about everyday life after separation. In this interview, they explain why they wanted to discuss the questions that keep returning as children grow, from money to routines and new family relationships.
For Children
Living in two homes can feel good sometimes and difficult at other times. You might enjoy time with each parent and still hate packing. You do not have to choose one feeling, and you do not have to make the arrangement work on your own.
Research
The Swedish term växelvis boende describes a child living alternately in each parent’s home. One useful idea in the original discussion by child psychologist Malin Bergström is to look beyond visits: what ordinary care and relationships does the child need to keep?
