Single Mum - Benefits causing me a headache!

[user1476968120]

Firstly, sorry if this isnt the right place, But its lone parents that i guess i'm asking for advice. Please no judgement about me being on Benefits, I worked full time before having a child (unexpectedly) As soon as my son goes into full time school I'm right back on the Job-Wagon.

I'm a young, single mum and a friend recently scolded me for the fact I don't claim child tax credit or CSA. Csa was a personal choice as my sons dad left when I was 6 months pregnant (It was an abusive relationship so i didnt care) and i havent seen him since, Anyway, I'm on income support. My problem is:

I tried to claim for Milk tokens but they said i need to be on child tax credit, however that recently changed to universal credit which according to online I can't claim for Universal credit because i claim income support... I have contacted them and they confirm this but said I'll need to go to my local jobcentre if i need help with anything like that... basically, everyone is telling me to make an appointment with the jobcentre.. seems simple.

I've been on hold with them for (total) over three hours, this last time, after I finally got through, they hung up on me. I literally cried from frustration.

I'm just looking for advice on if I am entitled to Child Credit after all and if so, How do i claim? Or am I not and should just leave it?

(my son is coming up to his 2 birthday and I've only ever had income support and child benefit as no one told me about anything else)

Sorry, to be more clear, The universal credit people said that its merged with child tax credit. When I asked for help and better understanding that's when they said to contact the job centre. Online says i cant apply for universal credit because im on income support so i cant make a new claim. sorry.

Income support is one of the benefits universal credit replaces so you are reading the wrong information. Apply for universal credit but don't forget your income support will be stopped. Takes 5 weeks for first payment of uc but you can apply for a loan which will come out each month for a year I believe until paid back.

Tax credits and income support no longer exist. It is now universal credits. You can walk into your job centre and make an appointment.

Go online to turn2us. And do a calculation on line. It will give you an idea of what you are entitled too. Now your son is two it might be worth looking at working opportunities. They will cover 80% of your child care costs. So you shouldn't be out of pocket. I work 24 hours and get my childcare cost covered and still get some uc.

Just wanted to post my sympathies! I work 25hrs a week and claim universal credit but the system is an absolute pain in backside and takes about 5 weeks to set up. You can have an advance payment while you wait but bear in mind they will deduct from your universal credit to pay it back. I claim childcare costs and this is something you have to do each month! so when you start working make sure you do this otherwise you won’t be reimbursed. Good luck!