...to think that many MNers genuinely believe that all single parents are in receipt of benefits?

[BelleDameSansMerci]

That's it really. Occasionally see this on threads (on one at the moment). Why do people think that a single parent can't be earning enough to disqualify them from benefit payments?

And, yes, of course we currently receive child benefit, same as everyone else. That will stop for lots of us soon regardless of relationship status.

What about Charles and Di? Single parents. Nigella Lawson. Ditto. I wonder how many millionaire single parents we can name?

YANBU.

Loads of MNers are high earning, working single parents.

Loads are unthinking pricks.

Swings & roundabouts.

Yanbu.

That appears to be the case.

I'll get CB but not a penny aside from that. It is going to make things tight in terms of childcare, but it won't last forever. I'm so relieved I'll get CB though - I thought for a while the cut off was £40,000. I earn JUST that so it was a relief when I found out the cut off was £50,000!

I agree, I also find that most people assume or expect you to be a SAHM. The concept of working AND having children, whatever next!!!!

ObiWabn, I think I love you...

MrsT, wish I was in that bracket!

If you're referring to me on The other thread, I was posting specifically about that thread- the op said the single parent was in receipt of benefits and was worried she would lose them if she was co-habiting. (she wasn't cohabiting anyway- so all rather academic)

Some people then suggested the rules re: cohabiting are unfair. A couple of us pointed out that they arent. If someone does receive benefits as a single parent, of course they shouldn't continue to receive them if their circumstances change.

It doesn't mean all single parents receive benefits- why would they? Some might earn more than many cohabiting couples

I'm so glad it's not just me. Thought I might get a flaming... Still time yet, of course!

And...... It's assumed you are in social housing......

janey - I didn't mean you. There seems to be a prevailing attitude/assumption that if you're a single parent, you get benefits. That thread title/OP certainly implies it.

Define "benefit" - Child Allowance is a benefit - one that we all get, but a benefit nonetheless

Oh good

I would define being "on benefits" as being more or less wholly dependent on those benefits, ie if they were taken away you would have little or no other source of income.

Child benefit is mentioned in my OP. Lots of us won't get that after January.

I didn't know those things were assumed but I probably don't notice as it doesn't impact me
Most of my single parent friends are high achieves who I am in complete awe of

Nigellas not a single parent is she though but point made as plenty of successful people are

I assume you are on benefits, in social housing, 18 years old, have 7 children by 8 different fathers and a massive TV

[GRIN]

JK Rowling was a single parent, although I think she may have remarried.

Can I be 28 instead of 18 please?

It's when 'single parent benefits' are mentioned that I get cross. What the hell are they?

You can be 28 if I can be a size 10? :)

I think the same posters assume that all social housing is free.

Free, with a minimum of 5 bedrooms and a swimming pool isn't it?

And live in council houses. I've heard that from MNers before.

I think I've been on that thread too and was thinking the same... although in that thread it is the case that a single mum is claiming benefits tbh.

Do any other LP's find themselves telling virtual strangers that they DON'T get any benefits other than CB?

I know I do all the time! I also feel that I should point out to everyone I come into contact with that I bought my house in times of very high house prices. As its an ex-council property I always assume that others will assume I am either a council tennant or bought as right-to-buy very cheaply. ^^

I am not generally an over-sharer but when it comes to my finances I keep everyone informed

I'm a single parent and I am on benefits . I get Carer's Allowance because dd is disabled, it's not a shameful state to be in so I don't see the point in rushing to deny it as if it's the worst thing you could be accused of. And we are in council housing.

TBH I do know a lot of single mums on IS and in council housing. Most of them are studying, some are sahms (which is hard work) but will work (have to) when their dc starts school.