Benefits help

[Moxiechick]

Hi not sure if this us the right place for what I need to ask?
Basically I recently vacant a lone parent and am trying to sort out finances.
I current work 2 days a week earning around £600 a month. I get £80 a month in child benefit. £50 a week child tax credits (which I pay straight to my child minder)
I've just found out I'm entitled to £535 housing benefit (my rent is £775)
Dds dad is giving me £125 a month which covers most of what she needs.
Is there anything else I'm entitled to?
I'm struggling to sort out finances and keep being left up short. Mainly because each month I'm paying £220 for a loan I took out 2 years ago.
Any help/advice will be greatly appreciated. X

[ScarletButterfly]

How many hours do you work a week? If it is 16 or over you should apply for working tax credits. You should also be able to claim some childcare through working tax credits, as long as your childminder is registered.

[Moxiechick]

Hi. I work 16 hours a week, I thought I had applied for working tax but assumed I didn't get any. Ill phone back up.
I thought the child tax credits I'm getting were for the childminder, she is registered and I've given her details to them x

[Monetbyhimself]

Is the £125 a month 15% of his earnings ? That's the CSA minimum.

[Moxiechick]

Monet would that be gross income or after tax etc... ? Thanks

[Monetbyhimself]

Net so after tax etc. He would also be allowed to reduce that amount if he has her overnight at least 52 nights a year. Or if he moves in with someone who already has kids ( even if they're not his)

[ElBumpo]

That's out of date, Monet. It's done on gross now. OP - google Child Maintenance Options.

[Monetbyhimself]

Oh I had no idea El Bumpo- is that just for new claims ?

[ElBumpo]

Gradually changed since last year and all new claims are now through the new system.