A bit of a rude question

[anita665]

I'm here to ask about finances.

Recently I've split with my ex and from mid November will be living alone on benefits withour three children aged 5, 2 and 11 months. I have a rough idea of which benefits I can claim but not sure how much that will be. I've tried a couple of benefits calculators but they keep coming up with different amounts so I was hoping there could be another person in a similar situation who could perhaps give me an idea?

I have a friend who is a single mum of one on benefits and she says I will get more than she gets since I have three but one of the calculators worked out I would only get a little extra for rent (3 bed rather than 2) and the extra child benefit but that would be all. I'm not trying to be greedy and don't want to live like this for long but I'm scared of how people manage.

 

[Dream.dream]

Best thing to do is to call or actually go in and talk to someone because even in similar situations 2 people might get different things

 

[Dezireey]

Well, you should get; child benefit for each child (81.20 per month), child tax credits Maybe for each child? ( 1 child = £252 per month). that is the maximum amount, you may get less if you have three kids. You can get income support as well, if you decide not to work, which is a max amount of £286 per month for you (not per child). You can also get your council tax paid and money towards rent/mortgage if you live alone with your kids (housing benefit). And of course, there is childcare (2gether scheme for two year olds - 15 hours paid per week depending on eligibility).

I believe there is also separate funding available if you want to spend time at home but just study etc ( I am doing a Degree course at the moment). I know that if you have one child, you can only claim income support until they are five and off to school.

In your case, ring up and ask for a lone parent adviser at your local job centre and they can tell you what you are entitled to and the' direct gov' website also does calculations for you.

Hope that helps x

 

[SmartieMeUp]

Child benefit
First child: £81.20p/m
Second child: £53.60p/m
Third child: £53.60p/m
Child tax: £52-62 per child
Income support: £286.80
Council tax will be paid for you

Housing benefit will depend on your local area, but you are entitled to a 3 bed house.

If FOB works, then also maintenance will be received from him too - either CSA will sort it, or a personal agreement

 

[Mummy1995]

What the ladies have said is correct however I would probably ring and try to make an appointment at your local job centre ASAP to find out exactly what you're entitled to and to also make the claims ASAP x

 

[Baby France]

Ok, so I'm a single mummy...but I only get child benefit.

Apparently I earn too much to get and tax credits/help with childcare. And I've just applied for council tax reduction and mine has gone up?!?!

 

[anita665]

Thanks everyone. I will be speaking to someone soon about it. It's really not going to be easy but then I guess it's not designed to be and besides I will return to work as soon as I can.

 

[pinkie77]

You won't get all your council tax paid now in most areas but it should be a big reduction. This changed in april this year

 

[kimberleyrobx]

Im the same. Ex moved out 3 weeks ago so i am soon to be a single mother on benefits too. I will be claiming income support which is about £70 a week and then there is child tax credits and child benefit but thats all xx

 

[babycrazy1706]

Best wishes. Let us know what they say hun. Xx