Single mum living alone, help!

[HPmummy19]

Hello!
I am a single mum currently living with my mum but looking to move out... I am 26 and never lived on my own, well I have moved in with previous boyfriends but never handled household bills etc so I'm a bit naive to how much everything costs. I won't lie, I'm really nervous about it, the intention to move out was always there when I fell pregnant but due to the trauma caused by my exP/baby daddy I have leant on my mum for support since my little one has been here and put it off.
Now I feel is the right time in my life to move on, I'm 26 and my LO is 18 months and I just feel we are ready for our own space and for me to build my independence! I guess I’m just here for a bit of advice and guidance from any other single mums out there? What are your outgoings monthly?
I went part time after having my son (22 hours a week) so clear about £900 a month after NI / pension comes out, but I’m thinking I will need to go back full time to be able to afford to live alone, but sending my son to nursery full time I don’t think is financially feasible! It all boggles my brain!! I know I will be entitled to some housing benefit help, but not sure how much that covers? Houses in the area I currently live in are quite expensive, but this is where I work and my son goes to nursery / where my family lives and I don't drive so ideally would like to stay in the area!
Any advice or guidance fully appreciated! Thank you x

Hi OP,

It sounds like you'll definitely need to go full time in order to afford to rent privately and cover the costs of nursery. The annoying thing is that when you start to earn more, you'll obviously have to pay for full time nursery fees. Only when you start paying the nursery can you make a claim back for a percentage from universal credit.

As for housing benefit, im not sure how it works if you already work full time. But pretty sure you'll have to pay something yourself first and then apply for housing benefit from the local council?

Hopefully someone will come along and advise better.

I currently work full time and pay for 0.8 nursery fees. Huge chunk of money each month buy I get some back from universal credit.

Hey, fellow single mum here. I work full time and my DD is in nursery part time (3 mornings and 1 full day) the rest of the time grandparents have her. I couldn't afford to be without them, otherwise nursery fees would be £500 a week! That's more than I earn. I'm on a good wage, so can afford my own house but I don't get any help from government or the useless father/sperm donar! My outgoings are as follows:
Mortgage: £450
Child care: £550
Water: £30
Electric/gas: £60
Council tax: £96
Insurance: £30
Tv.L/broadband: :£45
Food: £300
Phone: £10

I have other outgoings but they are the bare basics that I couldn't do without.

I do a budget each month, make sure I have the best deals on all my contracts...places are sneaky and put things up when your contract is up so keep an eye on that.

I buy a lot of things second hand on eBay, clothes, toys, saves a lot!

I also do batch cooking, make lots of stuff I can freeze. Saves on time and money.

I recommend looking on sites like money saving experts and gingerbread. They have lots of deals and tips to save money. Also there is a site called look after my bills, u give them your details and they will transfer you to the best energy deal....highly recommend!

You can do it, but it is hard work. I'm a teacher and often don't get to do a proper clean until the holidays. I do a big clean every 6 weeks then just top it up, I try to do one chore a night so I'm not doing it all at the weekend. For example, I clean the bathroom when my dd has her bath, do one load of washing a night. Also wash up from dinner before I put her to bed so when she is asleep I can chill.

My DD goes for a sleep over a few times a month at my parents so I can have a rest. You need to make sure u schedule time to rest, especially as they get older....toddlers are relentless!

Only thing I miss is social time, I don't know any other single parents and it would be really nice to vent sometimes. All my mates are happily married and I just get the pity looks or 'I don't know how you do it' like I have a choice! Honestly.....getting the sofa and bed to myself is the best! I love my little
House and love there isn't a smelly man messing it all up. Good luck....you've got this! Be kind to yourself and ask for help when you need it xx

FYI the gingerbread site explains everything about benefits you are entitled too. I used it when I was on Mat leave. Very useful