Financial help for working parents

[AugustRanger]

Just recently separated from partner and needing financial advice please. After deductions I earn about £2000 a month. I know its a good wage and please be gentle because I'm still hurting about my partner leaving but trying to plan where it leaves me. Rent and bills equate to almost £1500 and then childcare costs are about £350 a month (even with vouchers from work). We have some debt too. Do you think there is any additional financial support I'd get? I think I can get a council tax reduction? My ex has mental health issues and I don't think it'll be long before he loses his job so I'm not expecting support from him. Absolutely gutted. I didn't want to break up 😥

As a lone parent I'd imagine you would get help towards childcare costs. Have you done a gov.uk calculator online to see if you 're eligible for working tax credits? Put in the figures as if you are paying out childcare etc.

Oh and could you look at moving? I know moving itself incurs costs but if you were able to lower the rent payment by taking a smaller place or moving out slightly that would ease the burden long term.

Yes council tax is Lower . Are you claiming maintenance? You may need to go for universal credit aa it’s a new claim

When I was newly single, the biggest cost savings I made were bills (electric & water dropped by 40%), food (my ex had insisted on brands), alcohol, and 25% council tax. Almost £200 a month.

Did he have sky sport which you can cancel?

Plus things got broken much less often.

Drop the childcare vouchers as I'm pretty sure you can't claim for child care costs if you use this scheme.

They will pay up to 85% of childcare instead.

Message me if you like and I will work out what your entitlement on UC would be.

If it’s not one adult is within the household you will get council tax reduction. You may not get much extra help from benefits due to your income though. Do you have family who can help with childcare? Is your job transferable to somewhere with lower rent?