Separating or Divorcing
Download the leaflet by clicking on the link belowSeparating or Divorcing
Part One - The purpose of this leaflet
When you separate or divorce there are a number of things for you to consider. The aim of this leaflet is to draw your attention to some of the Social Security matters you may need to think about.
Part Two - General information for men and women
Date of Divorce
We appreciate that there is sometimes a delay in the issue of the Decree Absolute Certificate but it is important for our records that we receive a copy as soon as possible. Please send it to the Contributions Zone.
Change of address
It is also important that you tell us your new address if you have moved.
Please ensure that you quote your full name, date of birth and Social Security number in all correspondence.
Part Three - Contributions
The Social Security scheme is an insurance scheme with your contributions acting as the insurance premiums. Most people resident in Jersey, between school and pension age, have to pay contributions into the central fund so they can claim benefit when you are unable to work because you are ill or have an accident, or at pension age.
If you are separating or divorcing, you will need to review your Social Security contribution position.
There are two types of contributions;
Class 1 - paid by people working for an employer
Class 2 - paid by people not working for an employer
Class 1 - paid by people working for an employer
Your employer should hold a blue registration card for you and contributions are deducted from your wages. As long as your earnings are at or above the current monthly earnings level you will be able to claim benefits at the standard rate. The current contribution and benefit rates are detailed in the leaflet entitled Contribution Levels and Benefit Rates
If you earn below the monthly earnings threshold level, you may be required to pay an additional contribution in order to ensure that you will be able to claim benefits at the standard rate. This additional payment is called a Class 2 contribution. If you have difficulty with this, please do come and talk to us, we may be able to help.
Class 2 - paid by people not working for an employer.
These are contributions paid by people who are self-employed, non-employed or unemployed.
If you have difficulty paying these contributions, we may be able to reduce the amount you are liable to pay by calculating a personal Class 2 rate for you. This will be based on your income shown on an Income Tax Notice of Assessment for a specific year. Your former partner’s income is not taken into consideration.
It is important to remember that the non-payment of contributions can affect the benefits you can claim so please contact the Contributions Zone. We will be happy to give you advice and answer any questions you may have.
Part Four - Credits and Benefits for all
Home Responsibility Credits
If you stay at home to look after a child under the age of 5, you may be entitled to Home Responsibility Credits. These credits protect your entitlement to a Pension. They do not give entitlement to incapacity or maternity benefits. To find out more please read the leaflet entitled Caring for a Child at Home
To apply please contact the Contributions Zone.
Income Support is an income-related benefit that provides financial support towards the costs of housing, living, medical needs and childcare. Carers also receive support.
Income Support is available to individuals and families that satisfy conditions relating to residency in Jersey and employment.
The amount of Income Support payable depends on income, savings, assets and on personal circumstances.
For more information please contact the Income Support Zone
Part Five - Information for Women Only
You become liable to pay contributions from the beginning of the month following the date of your decree absolute.
It is important that you contact us as soon as possible in order to establish your contribution liability. Delay will result in arrears of contributions that you will be asked to pay.
Women who were married before 1 April 2001 may have elected not to pay contributions. When the decree absolute is granted this election is no longer valid and must be cancelled.
If you are employed your employer will be holding your red registration card. You need to ask for it back so that you can bring it to us.
The red registration card you hold must be exchanged for a blue one. The blue card shows that you are liable to pay contributions. To change your card please bring your red registration card and a copy of the decree absolute (if you have one) to the Contributions Zone.
Benefit and women who have recently divorced
To be able to claim certain benefits (for example Incapacity Benefit) you need to have paid contributions. There are special arrangements to help a recently divorced woman qualify for benefit even though she has not paid contributions.
Under these special arrangements if you fall ill or have an accident within 6 months of the decree absolute you may be able to claim benefit. To find out more please contact the Health Zone.
If you are in receipt of a pension you may be able to claim an increase. Staff in the Pension Zone will be happy to advise.
Health Card
A woman who is separated or divorced can be given a health card in her own name. This card will cover her and any children under 16. When teenagers reach 16 they can have a health card of their own.
Visiting France
If you have visited France in the last few years we may have issued you with a Health Certificate, called an Attestation. This entitles members of the family to receive emergency hospital in-patient treatment in France under the same conditions as a French resident. This certificate is usually issued in the husband’s name and includes the names of his wife and children.
If you are a British National you may obtain an Attestation in your own name when you are separated or divorced. The certificate can include your children’s names.
For information and advice on Health Benefits and Attestation certificates please contact the Health Zone.
Part Six - Information for Men Only
Benefit and the recently separated or divorced man
If you are claiming a benefit or pension that includes an increase for your wife you must tell the Department when you separate or divorce. If you are separated your benefit may be changed depending on the maintenance agreement with your wife.
Health Card
A man who is separated or divorced continues to use his health card for himself and his children who are under 16.
Visiting France
If you have visited France in the last few years we may have issued you with a health certificate, called an Attestation. This entitles members of the family to receive emergency hospital in-patient treatment in France under the same conditions as a French resident. This certificate is usually issued in the husband’s name and includes the names of his wife and children.
The Attestation issued to you should be changed. It will now cover just you and your children.
For information and advice on health benefits and Attestation certificates please contact the Health Zone.
Part Seven - Further Information
This leaflet gives general information and does not try to give full details on any particular matter. It cannot be treated as a statement of the Law.
Please contact us if you have any questions or suggestions about the information contained in this leaflet.
Our staff are here to help you, please telephone us on 445505 or call into our office.
Please note: calls to the Department may be monitored for training purposes.
Other leaflets that may be of interest
Caring for a Child at Home Employed People Income Support Maternity Benefit Pensions People who are Self-Employed & Non-Employed Students over 18 Health Scheme
