Money worries when your child leaves education

[Rosieblue12]

Ive always been a single mum and ive always worked, but because i was a single mum on a low wage, i got some help, i got help with rent, i got some child tax credit and child benefit etc, but when your child leave education that all ends. and its a bit of a shock, my son is working and he helps but its still really hard,
the cost of living in the UK is high and i feel so worried and anxious all the time.
Ive always worked from home because myself and my boy are domestic violence survivors and home is where i feel safe, is anyone else in a similar situation ?

Yes same here - I’ve been trying to build up to being able to survive without WTC and child benefit etc but with the rising costs of everything else I’m just chasing my tail. Only option I have is to charge higher rent to my kids (who have got away with a nominal amount to allow them to save for their own place until now, which means they’ll be with me even longer so I can’t downsize) and potentially look at getting a second job. Depressing on both counts.

It is hard but it isn't sprung on anyone by surprise and there has to be a cut off point for child related benefits.
I would firstly see the GP about your anxiety and then perhaps look at entitled.co.uk to see if you are claiming everything that you and your son can.
Thirdly have a look at your budget, do it with your son so he can learn how to do it when he moves out. Moneysavingsexpert has a good budget sheet you can download.
Lastly, look at ways you can increase your household income, if you work from home could you do pet sitting or admin work, have you got a skill or talent you can market?
There is a thread on Money Matters here with tips on how yo make £10 per day that is an interesting and resourceful read.
Sorry if none of that is helpful.