I need to leave my husband in France but have no money. What can I do?
There are many potential sources of help, by phone or in person
In the case of a separation the mairie can advise about possible benefits or sources of temporary accommodation
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Reader Question: I am British and in my 50s. I want to separate from my husband but have no money or anywhere to go. Who could help?
We are sorry to hear of this situation. The first thing to bear in mind are your residency rights in France.
However, these should be secure if, for example, you have a Brexit Withdrawal Agreement residency card, as these rights are not tied to having a certain income or job (the same applies to a 10-year carte de résident).
If you want to stay in the same area – which may be simplest – a good port of call would be the mairie, in larger areas specifically the section called centre communal d’action sociale.
They could advise about possible benefits or sources of temporary accommodation and put you in touch with a social worker (assistant social).
Emergency ‘social’ telephone help can also be obtained on 115.
In terms of benefits, RSA income support may be available.
If your domestic situation may have involved abuse, you can find help such as shelters, via 3919 or Women for Women France.
There is also a helpline for free general legal help on 3039, or for face-to-face help you can go to a ‘point justice’.
Another source of legal and other information for women is the network of centres found via CIDFF.
There may also be local associations helping those facing homelessness, including those known as le Samu social.
