Back in 2003 or thereabouts, I was looking for a house on rent because I was moving out of my marriage.
My tiny salary would cover the rent of an apartment with a narrow staircase and dog poop on the ground floor, or a dark house that shared its walls with neighbouring houses and had its three rooms in a row.
I became a paying guest at a gentle couple’s home, choosing to share the room with whoever would come after us, settling for the single cot for myself and my daughter, because that was all I could afford.
It was all so depressing and I moved back home eventually. Those foggy days put me off the decision to move out for years, until I moved to a better-paying job.
I am among the lucky few, because I had the finances to consider moving out. And when I made the final move, my salary was enough to maintain my daughter and myself.
Many women do not move out of a bad marriage, because they are financially dependent on their husbands.
Once they do step out, it is their family that they turn to, particularly if they are not working women. But, the question of finances and dependency on family continues to haunt them.
Some like Seema may not have finished their graduation, others like Kala may be post graduates; some may have worked for a while before giving it up after childbirth, others like Veena might be working in low-paying jobs so that they can be available for their children and family.
Related Reading: How to file for a divorce in India?
Financial Support For Divorced Moms During The First Year
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Assuming that you move in with your family, you still need to find financial support that covers you for at least a year before you can hope for maintenance to come in.
During this emotionally difficult period, you need the finances more than at any other time, since our overall happiness, well-being and self-esteem are influenced by our sense of financial control.
Yet, a year’s savings are hard to come by for non-working women, since 77% women do not make their own investment decisions. Of the 23% who invest on their own, 18% are working women, leaving a bare five per cent non-working women who manage their investments. (Source)
Many don’t have a bank account. As the demonetisation fallout showed, non-working women hoard money in cash; it’s their safety net.
If you intend to move out of your marriage, it helps to build your savings, preferably in your own bank account, and if you can’t do that, then at least in cash.
You should have enough savings to meet your and your children’s expenses for at least a year, because you cannot expect court-ordered financial assistance to come to your aid before that.
Related Reading: Should You Get A Divorce? – Take This Divorce Checklist
Interim maintenance after divorce for women
You can approach the family court seeking interim maintenance, which is paid by the working spouse to the dependent spouse. It takes about six months for the court to process the case, sometimes longer; hence, the advice to save up for a year’s worth of expenses. Interim maintenance is paid until the actual divorce proceedings come to a close, and alimony and maintenance are granted.
Financial assistance to divorced mothers: Alimony and child support
The family court grants alimony to you if you are financially dependent, or if your income is lower than the spouse’s. Alimony is usually one-third to one-fifth of the spouse’s income.
Child custody is usually granted to woman as the mother, and financial assistance to divorced mothers comes in the form of child support, or maintenance from the husband.
Lump-sum alimony payments worked well for Sarla and her ex. Sarla preferred a one-time payment over monthly payments that would have continued her financial dependence on her ex. Her ex found it beneficial too, since the lump-sum payment meant that a rise in his future income remained protected.
Assistance For Divorced Moms From The Central Government
Working through NGOs and other agencies, the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development’s Swadhar scheme provides food, shelter and clothing for the rehabilitation of women in difficult circumstances, which includes widows, women victims of domestic violence, or women who are made to leave home without subsistence, or are facing litigation due to marital disputes, among others.
The scheme covers Swadhar Greh, short stay homes for women, in addition to providing counselling, legal aid, vocational training and guidance.
Grants for divorced moms from State Governments
Telangana gives financial assistance to single women, offering Rs. 1000 per month to single women with annual income less than 1.5 lakh rupees in rural areas and 2 lakh rupees in urban areas. She should not already be covered under a social security pension scheme.
These single women should be 18 years or older and should have been separated from their husbands, or whose husbands have deserted them. The separation period itself should be over one year.
Delhi’s Widow Pension Scheme has similar assistance to offer, covering widows, divorced, separated, abandoned, deserted or destitute women above 18 years of age who have no adequate means of subsistence and are poor, needy and vulnerable.
Government schemes focus on providing assistance to women without social or economic support, unlike the USA which offers grants and assistance to single mothers, ranging from Medicaid, to housing assistance, day care, cash and food assistance programs, as well as scholarships and grants for single moms to go to college.
Further, these are small amounts that don’t seem to amount to much, but coupled with a place to stay in, they matter.
Help from NGOs for divorced mothers with no income
The bulk of the efforts by NGOs too are geared towards protecting the low-income and less-educated women the way the National Forum for Single Women’s Rights has helped Lali Dhankar, who was a child bride at 18 months and widowed at 21 years, in completing her school education and in educating her daughters.
Related Reading: Life After Divorce – 15 Ways To Build It From Scratch And Start Afresh
Yet, you can approach local NGOs for the assistance that they can provide, since many government programs work through these organisations. Their help can range from providing short stay homes, to protection and legal advice, beyond the scope of government grants. Some even provide financial assistance.
Finally, any financial assistance is for the short term and is only meant to give you the breathing space in which you can find your own feet.
Study further if you need to, upgrade your skills, and apply for jobs. It’s not an easy process, but it’s worth the effort, because you will have control over your own future and your children’s.
(With inputs from Mr. Amardev Uniyal, a Mumbai-based lawyer.)
What Steps Should I Take To Rebuild My Financial Foundation After Divorce?
- Create a Budget: Track your income and expenses to understand your financial situation.
- Seek Financial Advice: Consult a financial advisor to create a plan for your future.
- Prioritize Savings: Build an emergency fund and start saving for your long-term goals.
- Explore Career Opportunities: Upgrade your skills or explore new career paths to increase your earning potential.
- Network and Seek Support: Connect with other divorced moms and professionals in your field for guidance and support.
FAQs
1. What government schemes are available to support divorced moms in India?
The Ministry of Women and Child Development offers various schemes like the Support to Training and Employment Programme for Women (STEP) and the Swadhar Greh Scheme for women in difficult circumstances, including divorced mothers.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) also provides legal and financial assistance to women facing discrimination or violence, which can be particularly relevant for divorced moms.
2. Are there NGOs that offer financial assistance to divorced moms?
Yes, many NGOs across India focus on empowering women and providing financial aid, skill development, and legal assistance to divorced and single mothers. Some notable organizations include SEWA, Azad Foundation, and Snehalaya.
Final Thoughts
Divorce can be a challenging time, especially for mothers who may face financial insecurity. However, several resources and support systems are available in India to help divorced moms rebuild their lives and achieve financial independence. By utilizing government schemes, NGO assistance, and exploring various financial aid options, divorced moms can create a stable and secure future for themselves and their children. Remember, you are not alone. Seek help from our experts, embrace your strength, and empower yourself to build a brighter tomorrow.
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I am a separated woman with two daughters.husband has affair with another lady. I want help so that i can stand on my feet to support my daughters.i have no finencial help from any source.i am on rent house living with my widow mom .i want to do my own work .kindly help me so that i can not depend on any one.really in need.
pinkyedison7976@gmail.com
No shame in asking for alimony and maintenance from ex husband?? But most of you will curse dowry seeker even if asked for financial security.
Such dualism… be woman enough, earn for yourself.. Alimony is not your right, stop begging.
Do you imagine how many married men remain in marriage with their abusive wives and keep tolerating them just because they dont want to loose their hard earned income and properties in form of alimony payment.
Brother whatever u wrote thats also true but the one who is already broken ,refused by their own to wjom she thought that is her family,left on road without money job ,house n that too with two daughters,life is not easy in tbis way,i worked whole life,but my all tjings were taken away how could she manage ,m not begging ,asking fr help which can be refunded or can be passed to anyone in need,never judge anyone in hurry please.