Can I ask for a few basic bits of info about single mums and benefits?

[maloney]

Hi, I'm a newcomer to all this, so please bear with me. I'm in the process of breaking up with dp (I have one 3 year dd who will stay with me) and will be moving from SE London to, hopefully, somewhere near to my mum in Norfolk asap. and I don't have a clue how to make this happen financially. I am currently working 2 days a week and would have to give that up - does that mean I cannot claim benefits? What I'm hoping is that I will give up my job, find rented accommodation near to my mum which she can loan me a deposit for and first month's rent but no more (she's retired and alone). Would anyone be likely to offer me a flat on those conditions? Would I get benefits? And finally, what do benefits amount to, roughly, these days?

Thanks so much for any help, I'm very stressed about all of this. Sorry if I sound like a clueless fool, I just don't know where to begin.

huh, mines pays at the moment but he is an accountant in training... should I be watching my back?

Agree about CSA, useless feckers.

Gees, ninah, I didn't mean to jump on you. No need for this 'ffs'. It's just a common misperception that housing benefit is available for all.

And sadly, when it comes to many means-tested benefits, owning a home is taken into consideration. That's just the sad truth.

oh weesaidie, no, I'm sure there are fair-minded accountants, what I meant was that if they want to cook the books (sorry be creative with figures) they are best placed to know how! and combine that with self-employed ... grrrrr

yes, cool exp
I'm a bit over-sensitive atm - naturally in the circs
I hate to be asking for support, I have always paid my own way, but now I just can't, and the whole situation is scary

going to bump this in case any lone parents around later.
My current salary won't stretch to two lots of childcare, even with tax credits, I have no family to help out, and although I have a roof over my head I am stuck if I can't somehow scrape together income to cover the cost of living. Grateful for any advice! will brave CAB again soon but would be good to have an idea of where to start ...

Ninah, the thing is I just don't know what difference it makes if you own a house. I am sure someone on here will!

not read the whole thread (sorry), but to qualify for Income Support you mustnt have any more that 8,000 in savings. Then only the first 100k of the mortgage qualifies for assistance. Then depending on when you bought the house depends on when and how much you get. E.g. Anything after Oct 95, you dont get a penny until week 40 and even then they only pay the mortgage interest. Does that make sense?

ohhh! Sorry just read a bit more of the thread (but still not all).

So what your saying is, you want to move up north and keep your house down south as an asset? And your worried incase you wont get benefits because of the house? Is that what you mean or have I lost the plot again?

If it is, owning property doesnt effect your claim. Benefits are only reduced if you've got 3k in savings or you earn over a certain amount. And you get nothing at all if you've got over 8k in savings. So if you have got that much money I suggest you put it under your bed where they wont find it!

Blimmin eck, what is it about accountants eh?

am not an accountant, was just tryin to help

I think was aimed at me cinderelly.

Correct GG?

Because ninah, GG and I's exs are all accountants! (although mine is still in training..)

thanks so much cinderelly that makes sense! no I want to sell my house down south and buy one further north to reduce outgoings and also have a fresh start. By doing this I avoid paying a big mortgage, hopefully
But I do need income, and as I don't have savings (or won't by the time I've paid all the moving costs!) that should work out, at least til the children are at school and I can go back to work.
I must say I was struggling to see the logic in refusing any kind of income support to someone with a house!
Feeling a bit less panicky now, so thanks v much for the constructive advice.

Glad it made sense in a round about way
Good luck ninah, hope it goes ok

thatas what i meant soorry!