THOUSANDS of separating couples are missing out on financial help worth up to £500.
The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has been offering families access to help pay for mediation services, in a bid to keep settlements out of court.
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Family meditation is a process that helps separating families sort out arrangements for children and finances using a mediator.
The scheme was first launched in 2021 and has been extended until March this year.
Couples can use the money to help them resolve disputes away from the court, for things like contact arrangements for children.
The government has already provided £8.7m for at least 17,000 vouchers for to couples going through a divorce.
If you think you may qualify then be quick as the scheme is running until March 31.
Plus, it’s a first-come first-serve basis so once the vouchers have run out, that’ll be it.
We did ask the government when it thinks the vouchers will run out but it was unable to estimate a date.
Chair of the Family Mediation Council, John Taylor, said: “When you separate, it can be hard to talk to your ex-partner, and difficult to know how to sort out parenting, property and money issues.
“A family mediator can help you both to make plans for the future that will work best for you and your children.”
Who is eligible for the £500 help?
Couples who are separating and have children are eligible for the vouchers.
Those without children do no qualify.
You’ll be told if you’re eligible during your mediation information and assessment meeting which will help you discuss your situation and make a plan moving forward.
How can I get the £500 help?
If you qualify, you will be offered a ‘voucher’ contribution, subject to suitability, case type and availability of the vouchers.
This will be during your first mediation meeting – your mediator should tell you if they think you’re eligible.
You won’t receive the vouchers yourself and the mediator will claim the voucher themselves on behalf of you.
The amount you’ll get depends on your circumstances and the amount of vouchers that are left.
Your mediator will tell you their rates and how many sessions the voucher is likely to cover.
As the total value of the voucher is £500, you may need to contribute to the overall cost of your sessions if you choose to continue with mediation.
If you don’t qualify, then a normal mediation meeting could cost anywhere between £90 to £120.
What other help is out there?
If you don’t qualify for this payment, you may be eligible for certain benefits.
It’s always worth checking to see what you might be able to get, especially if you have children.
Millions are entitled to benefits that they aren’t claiming and which can also make them eligible for the £900 cost of living payment.
The quickest way to see what benefits you may be able to claim is to use one of the three benefit calculators recommended by Gov.UK.
Each one is free to use. They are:
- Turn2us
- Policy in Practice
- EntitledTo
Before using the tools, make sure you have key financial information to hand, such as bank and savings statements, and information on pensions and existing benefits.
If you live with a partner or family, get their basic financial information together too as this could affect your claim.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk
