Anyone living on just lone parent benefits?

[Jess32]

That is: Child tax credit, Income support, Child benefit, and housing and council tax paid for.

I get £117 a week in my account. Sounds like a huge amount. But when you factor in the electric (£130 a month) water rates (£25) credit card repayments, from years ago (£50) broadband (£16) phone bill (£25) nappies (£20) bus fares (£40)..

Although £50 a week, plus milk tokens is more than enough for food, I still seem to run out at the end of every week. And there is non left for savings/extras.

If anyone else out there is managing on this amount with NO outside help I would be grateful for any tips. I know most of you work, I will be doing too when my daughter is at school. Do you plan your meals? Do you manage to budget to take your child to toddler group?

She only has one child, and that means £117 is correct.

Not much, is it?

I get to go back on it a week on Monday
Yay

Why on earth do they have to have the stupid 16 hour rule? My hours are being cut from 17 to 13 but will probably increase again in the summer. I can't afford the chilcare in the mean time though so have to give up my job which surely is not what they want?
I am of course applying for new jobs which I may or may not get (and one of them is below 16 hours anyway) but I'm pissed off with having to go back on benefits.
I see no other option for now though.

I'm on the same as you, Jess, and it doesn't really stretch quite far enough does it!

We live very close to a town centre so have no bus fares unless I need to make a special trip anywhere, and I can shop daily for reduced fresh food or for things I can bung in the freezer. But for two years I was a single parent in a village 6 miles from the nearest supermarket, with no car, so I fully understand the bus fares adding up. Agree with others about looking into a weekly/monthly pass.

We just live with having a cold house - I simply cannot afford to heat it. We have hot water bottles that we fill at bedtime, and during the day if we are in the house (I often wander round the house with one stuffed up my jumper, have to remember to get it out before answering the door ). I also have one oil-filled radiator in the living room that goes on for 30 mins when we are getting up, and between teatime and bedtime. I warm DD's clothes/pyjamas on it for her.

I'd see if you can renegotiate the credit card repayments as you are on IS.

Also you can buy reduced fresh stuff, prepare it and then freeze it. I always go at the end of the day to the shops to get the best bargains.