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Original poster

Can you live on £18k a year?

127 replies

peeweechigs · 02/01/2023 14:54

Run a house with two kids? No childcare expenses. Is it possible? Thinking what might happen when separating....

OP posts:
LynneBenfield · 02/01/2023 14:56

peeweechigs · 02/01/2023 14:54

Run a house with two kids? No childcare expenses. Is it possible? Thinking what might happen when separating....

Wouldn’t you get benefits assistance at that level, or does that figure take that into account? Have you checked www.entitledto.co.uk/ ?

RoseslnTheHospital · 02/01/2023 14:58

It very much depends on where in the UK, due to housing costs and general COL. I'm sure there are people who manage it. No childcare expenses is a big cost that you don't have, so that makes it more possible.

BuffaloCauliflower · 02/01/2023 15:00

Where I am, unlikely with housing costs like mortgage/rent, but you’d likely get some help from UC if that was your only income

Whowhatwherewhenwhynow · 02/01/2023 15:01

I’d struggle I think. Simply cost of housing and housing related costs.
my less you are mortgage free or have a very low mortgage.

NuffSaidSam · 02/01/2023 15:02

Not in London. Maybe elsewhere.

bellac11 · 02/01/2023 15:03

Whats the take home of 18k

Whats the child benefit per month

Whats housing cost (mortgage or rent)

RuthW · 02/01/2023 15:05

How old are the children?

Original poster
peeweechigs · 02/01/2023 15:06

That's pre tax pay. No mortgage or rent. Child benefit for two kids.

OP posts:
Original poster
peeweechigs · 02/01/2023 15:07

Sorry , name change!

OP posts:
jasper333 · 02/01/2023 15:08

I survive on my sole wage of £25k with one child. My mortgage is £567. No childcare costs. But I survive, scrape by. My mother paid for the latest delivery of heating oil.

Hope this helps x

crazycrofter · 02/01/2023 15:08

You’d definitely get a decent amount of tax credits/universal credit, unless you have savings.

Original poster
peeweechigs · 02/01/2023 15:09

I have savings, so no uc help.

OP posts:
jasper333 · 02/01/2023 15:09

Oh and yes you would get UC on that take home pay I think. That saved me when I was on less money.

jasper333 · 02/01/2023 15:10

peeweechigs · 02/01/2023 15:09

I have savings, so no uc help.

Have you checked the limits on the savings you are allowed?

TheHopefulMum · 02/01/2023 15:10

My DSIL earns significantly less than that at approximately 1100 a month, she then gets a top of in benefits of approximately £500 a month. In addition to that is the CM she receives at £420 a month. On this combined she runs her house with 2 school age DC she is also lucky enough to have school holidays off so no childcare.

Worth noting the area that we live in is relatively cheap in terms of houses and as such her mortgage is only £400 a month.

BrassMarbles · 02/01/2023 15:10

No. My rent, council tax and utilities are 14k a year! Not in London either, it's not the only expensive place to live in the UK. I need double that to live, also a single parent. You would get universal credit top ups on that salary though.

bellac11 · 02/01/2023 15:11

The savings will cut off entitlement at 16k but it tapers down to 6k

I think without any housing costs, it is doable, not great or easy but doable

dinosandprincesses · 02/01/2023 15:26

With no mortgage or rent I would say you would be fine with that amount

travelmad · 02/01/2023 15:30

I'm a single mum of 2, I earn significantly less than your wage and I make it work... just. I get UC top ups though.

unlimiteddilutingjuice · 02/01/2023 15:30

With no housing costs and a cushion of savings you will be fine.

Jux · 02/01/2023 15:30

Of course you can! We live on a lot less than that.

Original poster
peeweechigs · 02/01/2023 15:33

Jux · 02/01/2023 15:30

Of course you can! We live on a lot less than that.

Do you? How much and how many people? What kind of house?

OP posts:
Rewis · 02/01/2023 15:33

peeweechigs · 02/01/2023 15:06

That's pre tax pay. No mortgage or rent. Child benefit for two kids.

If no mortgage or rent then that's doable.

Pinkandpurplehairedlady · 02/01/2023 15:33

I live on not much more than that with 2 children and it’s tight but doable. You’ll need a good budget and to get good at finding discounts for things but it’s definitely manageable.

teenagetantrums · 02/01/2023 15:35

So take home pay about £1300 a month of course you can with no rent or mortgage. Won't you get child support as well from thier dad?