My first post here.........benefits advice

[nutcracker]

Ok so am now a single mom of 3 kids aged 8, 6 and 3.

I was working but have got to give it up as it is evenings which i cannot do, and i don't wish to work days until ds is at school.

I know i'll get housing benefit and council tax benefit but what else ??

My mom was waffling on about milk tokens as ds is under 5 but i don't know how that works.

[expatinscotland]

Possibly income support. See an adviser ASAP, b/c an adivser would know best. Also contact your landlord in writing IMMEDIATELY to inform them of your change in circumstances - and keep a record of it.

[doormat]

also contact tax credits about child tax credits and change of circumstances

[nutcracker]

Yep am ringing tax credits tommorow, so will ring CAB or someone too.

[expatinscotland]

GET STUFF IN WRITING! When you go to CAB, take a record of whom you speak to, date, time, etc. Post things off via Recorded Delivery and keep the receipt.

[nutcracker]

Ok, will do, thanks.

[faeriemum]

if your not working you will get income support per week, tax credits monthly (or weekly, optional), child benefits, milk tokens monthly for 7pints a week, housing benefit and council tax benefits. ...you need to talk to your council about all apart from tax credits (tax credits sort out milk tokens)

[nutcracker]

Thankyou

What do i do with the milk tokens though ?? I currently have a milkman, will he take the tokens ??

[faeriemum]

i dont think he will, u go to any shop that sells milk...and get 7pints then give them token at the til...they take off 2.41 (summit like that) off your bill.

[nutcracker]

Ahhh right I see, thanks for clearing that up.

[faeriemum]

no probs

[QE2]

nutty - I have clearly missed something! wtf has happened, did you kick him out or what?

Hope you are ok btw?

[Aimsmum]

Message withdrawn

[vicimelly]

Ask your milkman actually, Our milkmen have always taken milk tokens

[expatinscotland]

I think I'd make your landlord the first port of call, tbh. DH once qualified for housing benefit, when he first left home at 16 and worked as a dockman, but it took THREE MONTHS for them process. He had to borrow from his flatmate.

[nutcracker]

Thanks. The rent is paid until the end of the month anyway, but I will ring the HA tommorow and advise them of what has happened. As far as I know I have to pay £5 a week whilst waiting for my HB claim to go through.

QE - There is a thread in relationships that explains it all

[LIZS]

Any chance you could change shiftpattern so you can keep your job or work for the same employer -would be good for your self esteem as well as income. As ds is 3 you'd qualify for LEA vouchers towards most Ofsted approved nursery, playgroup or childminder fees which may make it more viable, even just a few hours a week.

[expatinscotland]

Also you'd get working tax credit if you worked.

If your youngest is 3 that's not too bad. 3's a good age for them to be more around other kids.

I'm looking to put DD1 in nursery when she's 3 - get rid of some of her energy and help her learn from other kids.

[Freckle]

Income support. As a single parent of school-age children, you are not obliged to apply for jobseeker's allowance. You can apply for child tax credits, plus housing benefit and council tax benefit.

Also should be entitled to free school dinners, plus free prescriptions, etc.