Becoming a working single mom. How much help from the gov?

[booboochoupi]

I am separating from the husband and should move back to the UK with my 2 years old. I am planning to get my retail job back for around 720£ a month for about 20hours/week. But rent would be around 700£/month. I do not know how I will pay for any childcare to even be able to work the 20 hours! let alone utility bills etc. Any experience? any advice? anyone been there or knows anything about how much help I can expect from the government please? Many thanx

You can put all your details into a rough calculated online, that should give you an idea. You'll also be able to claim a percentage of your childcare, most of it I think. Your 2yo would be entitled to some funded hours too, if you're claiming tax credits.

I have no idea if being out of the UK would affect your ability to claim. Maybe a call to citizens advice

How long have you been out of the UK. Are you a british citizen? As pp says I think it would be best to contact CAB. if you are eligible then you would get help for childcare through tax credts. Presumably you would have child maintainence from your child's dad too ?

Thank you both for the sound advice! I was worried that offices like he CAB would say I have to be back before looking in detail at figures to give me an idea, while I am so scared to jump in the unknown by moving back without any idea if I can cater for my baby and myself. The online calculator is therefore a smashing idea. Will give that a try.
I don't think I will get child maintenance because I didn't think of gathering proofs of all the cheating that is making me leave. Plus he is in Africa so I don't see how anyone can force him to give me anything.
Yes we are British citizen and would have been out of the country for about 7 months by the time I get back.

Thank you both again.

Absence may be more relevant that citizenship for claiming benefits. You may not pass the habitual residence test so get nothing for a while. Please check.

I believe you now have to wait 3 months before you can claim anything as you have been out of the country.