New to this - what support is there financially?

[whycantitbecalm]

So I'm 4 months into separation, divorcing incoming.

I've gone from a high earning income to just little old me and 3 teens.
I have a small business, not enough to pay the bills yet. I'm working on that.

I'm more than happy to get a job as and when I can, but I need to cut my outgoings.

So what areas of my financial life support single parents? or offer discounts? or am I likely to be facing higher costs rather than lower?

[giggly]

When you say you’ve gone from a high income to just you, do you mean your exdh was a high income earner?
Aside from child maintenance if applicable then you will be expected to provide for yourself and your children, obviously benefits top up again if applicable.
I work my arse of working full time get CB only and child maintenance fortunately in a job I like but physically and mentally draining. I also work 3 hours O/T each week towards our holiday.
Its hard to go from two incomes to one but cut your cloth accordingly.
Not sure what you mean by discounts?

[whycantitbecalm]

@giggly yes he was the high earner. I was just wondering if anyone has found any essential utilities etc that consider single parents and offer different rates, like for example students get different rates for things.

Lots of cloth cutting ahead, just don't want to commit to something when I could be paying less, so just looking for advice. :)

[sittingonacornflake]

If you're the only adult in the property you can get 25% discount on council tax.

[TeaKitten]

Council tax is the only one I no of. Will you be claiming universal credit? Some internet providers do a cheaper service for those on UC

[BlackandGold]

Look at your local Community Fridges for free food; fighting against food waste so often short dated. Some places also have Community Larders where you can collect food for a small price.

Also the Olio App and the Too Good to Go App are worth investigating.

[PaigeMatthews]

Yes same point just council tax. Check www.entitledto.com to see if you can get any top ups. Youll probably save £££ in toilet role too.

[scrantonelectriccity]

Have a look at Gingerbread

[scrantonelectriccity]

You may be entitled to Universal Credit too but I'd look into being self employed and on UC as after a period of time there is a minimum income floor for self employed claimants

[MeMeMeMeAndMoreMe]

Are you getting Universal Credit (UC)? If not, then apply for Universal Credit.

How old are the teenagers?

Claim Child Benefit - if ex was on a high income then you may not have been claiming.

You can get the child element of UC for 2 of the teens if under 19 and still in full-time education.

Do you rent or own? If rental, you may get the housing element of UC.

Depending on income, you may get a reduction in council tax.

Cheaper broadband is an option if claiming benefits. They are called social tariffs.

Water rates are cheaper if on a low income, and the income threshold depends on the household size. Eg Welsh Water have HelpU rate for low income. There is a capped rate if in a meter and more than 3 kids/someone has a disability that means more water us used.

In Wales you can claim Education Maintenance Allowance for low income household and over 16 in education.

Depending on age of kids, they can get Saturday Jobs.

Selling old books/games/dvd on somewhere like WeBuyBooks.

Make sure you're getting the Maintenance from the ex.

Saying no to teenagers!

Pocket money dependant on pulling their weight around the house.

Buy bulk. Packed lunches. I put the crisps/breakfast bar, fruit etc ready on a Sunday afternoon. They make a sanswich in the morning.

Energy saving settings on dishwasher/washing machine.

Using a budget planner, and following jt. Making sure you save for the big stuff like car maintenance/insurance/Xmas through the year.

Saving for insurance so you save the cost of paying monthly.

Cancel all unnecessary direct debits.

Netflix Or whatever- don't have them all. Take it in turns and have a few months then change.

[whycantitbecalm]

Fantastic thank you all

That list @MeMeMeMeAndMoreMe is brilliant