Surely I should get something?

[Scaredymummy]

I've been a single parent to my 3 1/2 year old since she was 3 months old. Her Dad lives with his girlfriend rent and bills free at his girlfriend's Dad's house (they are both 25).
They both work full time, but he is on some kind of access course (apparently, but he has never once mentioned it to me, only to the CSA, and has no student documentation).
I have just started a degree and am paying £870 pm in rent, as well as bills, nursery, toys, clothes etc.
I have never received any maintenance ever, and when questioning the child support agency about this they said that because he is on an access course he can't afford it, yet they both have brand new cars, are out for meals 4 times a week and I can't afford the electricity bill. Because I get child tax credit apparently that is as good as maintenance-anyone in or had a similar situation?

Thanks

I've never been in this situation but access course or not he has responsibilities. What would he do if you were still together? someone would have to pay the bills, surely he still has to take responsibility to contributing to your DDs life?
Maybe they are living their extravagant lifestyle on the never never?

Yeah, think there's a massive credit trap going on there!

I just keep getting sad because she plays at some of her friends houses now and her friends get taken to the video shop at the weekend or McDonalds or the play frame or something, and we just can't afford, so she gets really upset and wants to know why we can't go with them when we get invited.
I keep trying to do nice things for her, like I took her to the circus but could only afford the restricted viewing bit, so she couldn't see and got really bored-I just feel like I'm robbing her of experiences all the time and that I only ever say no to fun things!

You poor thing I really feel for you, we are not rich by any means and are usually broke by the end of the month but we can afford the odd treat but I sometiomes have to put money aside for things even if its 20 quid you can treat her to soft play or the cinema once in a while, it seems very unfair that he is living this lifestyle while you are struggling for everything.
Do you work as well then? Could you take a break from uni if you are struggling financially?

if you are a student you can get housing benefit for your rent.

tax credit is zip all to do with maintenance - tax credits don't take maintenance into account when calculating your entitlement and the CSA don't take your tax credits into account when they are calculating his liability. it is unfair - of course it is it must be especially tough while you're studying as well.