Supplementary benefit and financial provision orders

Abstract

The immediate cost of marriage breakdown is frequently borne by the community through the social security system. A separated wife, particularly one who has young children and who therefore is not easily able to work. is most likely to turn to the state to provide her with money for her essential needs of accommodation, food and clothing. The state will support her at subsistence level, but at the same time officials of the Supplementary Benefits Commission may encourage her to institute proceedings against her husband in the courts. The S.B.C. state that they do not pressurise separated wives into taking legal action against their husbands. ¹Since 1975 their official policy has been to leave the decision to the women themselves. The S.B.C. also state that it is made clear to wives that they will in any event receive the benefits to which they are entitled.