Seperation and looking for study or work

I am not sure what kind of social benefits you are after.  I do know that people under family unification is not entitled to "unemployment benefits".    I am not sure if there are other benefits you can apply.


I remember student visa has a requirement of a minimum amount of cash in the bank to prove that you can support yourself.

Details can be found here:
https://www.udi.no/en/want-to-apply/studies/



Requirements of the student
You must pay an application fee.
You must have been admitted to a university college or university.
You must study full-time.
You must have enough money to live on, at least NOK 116 369 per year. This money may consist of student loans, grants, own funds that you have in a Norwegian bank account or the deposit account of the educational institution, or a combination of the above. If you have already been offered a part-time job in Norway, the income from this work may be included. (Please note that if you do not have a bank account in Norway you may use the bank account at the the institution where you are going to study. You must contact the institution where you are going to study for any details regarding this arrangement.)
If you have to pay tuition fees, you must also have money to cover this.
You must have somewhere to live.
The circumstances in your home country must indicate that it is likely that you can return home when you have completed your studies.


Requirements relating to the study programme
The place of study must be included on the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education's (NOKUT) list of approved (accredited) universities, university colleges or specialised university institutions (external website).


Rights and obligations for applicants who are granted a study permit
If you are granted a study permit, you are automatically also granted permission to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week in addition to your studies and full-time during holidays.
Your spouse or cohabitant and children can usually apply to come and live with you in Norway. If your family members apply at the same time as you, you will receive the answer to your applications at the same time.
The period you have this permit does not count if you later wish to apply for a permanent residence permit.