Need to move out of the parents house. Advice needed.

[greeneyedgirl]

Ok, have been living with my parents since I split with OH in the summer of 2006 with my 3yr old dd. My parents are great and although we have our rows, generally I could probably stay here alot longer. However, I really need to be independent again, I think this would do my self esteem (if not my finances) a great deal of good. I am working part time at the moment and get child tax credits , working tax credits and some maintenance, not enough to rent with though.

To make things even more complicated, this job is temporary and will last for the next 2 months only, so I am currently looking for a permanent job. So my question is, how does a single parent with NO savings and rubbish pay EVER get out on their own? I will get nothing from my divorce, so this is really it for me, I need to work things out now. How have others made a life for themselves post breakup/divorce? I am totally ignorant of the benefits system too which doesn't help. Any advice appreciated.

[Tinkerbel6]

You should be entitled to some housing benefit, but if you rent you will need to have a credit check done so if you are going to do it it might be better to do it sooner than later, if you see a property you like contact housing benefit section and they will do a calculation of how much benefit you will get, you might also get a little bit of council tax credit.

[Jessthepseud]

Hi greeneyedgirl - I had been livng with my parents with my 15 m/o dd since before she was born (my exp and I were together but never lived together) I luckily managed to get a Housing Association place as I live in a village (they have some strange housing rules where I live)but I know that's not an option for everyone. You would definitely get some Hosuing Benefit - I almost didn't take my flat as I'm a full time student and thought I wouldn't survive on Student Loans! Check out www.entitledto.com for calculations! Good Luck!

[CarGirl]

surely you need your parents to evict you so the council have to help you?

I believe they have schemes to pay deposits to landlords and the like? Have you been to your local CAB and asked them?