Public Assistance while separated but not divorced...

[chicaalegre]

Does anyone know anything about this in the US? We live in Michigan, and I'm wondering how need for assistance is determined in cases where folks are living separately but are not divorced.

My husband and I own a house together, I'm not sure yet who will be moving out. I can't afford the mortgage payments or the bills associated with the house and so for the sake of having some financial independence (and being able to detach in that way also) I'm leaning toward me & the kids moving out. I work part-time and would be considered pretty low-income living on my own with two kids. My husband doesn't make a lot either and so realistically his ability to pay child support (unofficially) while also paying for the house will likely be limited.

I'm already getting WIC, but would like to apply for food stamps and childcare assistance. Do we have to wait until we ARE living separately? Money is so tight that supporting two households just seems impossible at this point without assistance. If any of you know anything about the process, especially in Michigan, any experience and/or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[AllysonB]

If you are living in the same house they will consider both incomes. I needed to apply for food stamps while separated, but not yet divorced, but could not do so while living together. They will need proof that you and he are separated; ie separate residences, banking accounts, etc. I don't know anything about childcare assistance though.

[One_Girl]

In my state you just have to tell them you are separated but trying to find another home and you are buying all of your food separately. That is good enough for them. They have a form they make the other person sign then it is all good. I lived with my dd's dad before we got married and they never included his income. We actually did keep our food and our income separate so that may have helped.

[Phoenix~Mama]

I think this is something varies A LOT state by state, as some states have legal seperation some don't, etc...

In PA, I just have to say we are seperated.