to be scared when kids leave full-time education

[spanieleyes22]

So I'm currently eligible for Universal Credit with 2 children over 16 but in full-time education. But when the youngest turns 20 I believe I won't be eligible for it any more. I don't know how I'm going to pay my rent or survive without it. They will still be living with me and will be in university (hopefully). What do people do when this happens.

How was it gloating? And if anything actually my shit show of a life has made me see that if I can hold it all together then anyone can. Final words on the matter from me now, but the OP asked what other people did, I told them, and yet now I'm unkind for doing so? That's just typical Mumsnet all over! Good luck OP.

Do you live near a university that your eldest would consider?

How much a month will you be losing out on when UC ends? Might be ways to cut your outgoings

The problem is though they are already going to be paying for their rent while away at uni.

I see you earn average salary so you probably earn more than me.
You need to work to reduce your rent. You can't keep rooms free for your children at university. You can't do what middle class people see as normal as you can't afford it. It is tough, but it is reality.
I worked during holiday and paid for housing.

unfortunately there is not enough emphasis on the fact that once children are grown up a lot of benefits will stop. The government should be advising people on how to increase their own income so that once benefits decrease that are in an ok position.

Everything really needs to stop being up to the Government to tell people what to do. We need less state intervention, not more. There’s plenty of ways to get information without waiting to be spoon fed.

@Mrsttcno1 It is unlikely they can afford to pay for a housing term time and rent at OPs.
They need to either work during holidays and live in student accommodation all year only visiting home e.g. sleeping on sofa. Or stay at home and go to a local university. Nothing else will be viable.

You need to downsize. I know it's sad leaving your home but it will be a weight off your mind. Anyway everyone downsizes as they get older.

My dd was home for more
Than 6 weeks at Xmas and will
Be back in mid May until late sept. I'm not sure how her loan works . She doesn't want to stay in an empty house on her own when there are no lectures . Everyone else goes home.

I was in a similar position as your DC 30 years ago when I went to university. My mother had to move to a smaller flat as her benefits dropped. I just didn't go home for any length of time. I was in self catering halls in the first year so didn't have to move out at Christmas or Easter. At the end of the first year I moved into a house with friends that was a 52 week contract.

I now have 2 DC at university. Although the eldest tends to come home during the holidays the younger one only comes home for a few days, preferring to stay in his shared house with his friends and work. So not everyone wants to come home.

I agree @BenefitWaffle hence why I’m saying if they are paying rent to live away at uni, they will not have the money to be able to contribute to rent at home as well. I suppose the problem comes though if they are already at a uni which is not commutable, and depending on their living at uni it may not actually be possible to stay there full time. I know when I was at uni, and my little cousin now has the same, your rental typically ends in July until the following uni term.

Have you not been paying into a pension through work?

I feel like they are so young to not have a home to go to. Me and my siblings stayed with my parents on and off until we got married . It was always there as a back up for emergencies . My friends kids come and go in between relationships or jobs or life basically.

Pension won't cover current market rents

I don’t know what the council situation is like where you are OP but could you put yourself on the list for council housing?

It will probably take a couple of years as you won’t be in a priority band but its worth a try?

@spanieleyes22 , I’ll be in this position in 3, so I am making steps to be able to bridge the difference once I stop receiving UCand CM.

Something has to give though, so if you want to keep the home for them to return to, it may be that you have to sublet one of the bedrooms and they share.

Unfortunately our ideals and our pockets sometimes diverge, and it would be pointless exhausting yourself with stress over something that is fixable, just with some adjustments.

Spare a thought for lone parents of disabled children.

Kids may legally become adults but many will never be able to work or become independent. They often need 24/7 care so a parent can't work yet it all falls off a cliff at 18.

@Mrsttcno1 She would get a 1 bedroom place by the time she was offered something.

No it doesn't they w8ll be entitled to.UC in their own right plus PIP ,I'm the parent of a disabled child

Have a look at the Money Helper Budget plan. Look at how much your income will drop when the UC stops. And what you will save on energy/food costs/etc when the kids aren't there.

You may find that you can manage, or maybe downsize and still have a room they can come home to. Rent somewhere where you can put a spare bed in the lounge, for of they are home the same time.

I will be in the same situation in a few years. Or maybe even next year if the youngest leaves school at 16.

It boils down to them needing to contribute to the household. And unfortunately if we are not in a position to support them, that's what will need to happen.

I'll also be looking at a lodger/airbnb one of the rooms. This is more difficult if you rent, but even foreign students may be an option.

It pisses me off that I'll be in this situation. My ex husband benefited from me raising the kids while he excelled in his career. I've had to manage a challenging ASD/ADHD child, and adapt the job thay I do accordingly. But it's about future planning, and downsizing if needed.

It'll do the kids good to learn to manage their own money, and to realise they need to pay their way.

Edited for typo

@spanieleyes22 That was never a choice for me or lots of others. Benefits do not fund rent on an extra bedroom for a student in student accommodation or living away who may need to come back. So parents have to make decisions that make the budget balance.
It is why so many children of lower earners stay at home and go to the nearest university, even if it is not the best option for them.
And honestly I am surprised that this seems to be news to some people.

@Mrsttcno1 I had to rent a room during holidays one summer, the other summer I was already part renting a house for all year round. It increases your costs, but what can you do? I found a short term let through asking around.

This crosses my mind often too.My 17 year old has 3 years in college,when he leaves my UC will drop by around £300 a month.Im also a carer for my partner.When the time comes I will have to work nights I think.It is a massive amount to lose isn't it x

Child maintenance stops. There is no legal requirement for a non resident parent to continue to provide even though all the costs continue.

Child benefit also stops.

They aren't entitled to UC as a student.

My friend has lost over £1000 per month.

Those advising you to sublet a room - if you are in private accommodation this is rarely allowed. So check you lease first before doing this.