First time Mum

[jane1997]

I am a first-time mum and and a single mum I am on universal credit and I do not have enough for my daughter and myself and the house I live in anybody got any advice on what I can do my little girl is seven months old not really got anybody about me to support me in Gainsborough

Try and get a job?
Put your child either in a nursery or with a childminder (usually cheaper).
Find somewhere cheaper to live?
Do you get maintenance from the child’s father? If not, claim it ASAP.

@FelicityPike

Try and get a job? Put your child either in a nursery or with a childminder (usually cheaper). Find somewhere cheaper to live? Do you get maintenance from the child’s father? If not, claim it ASAP.

I've been signed off work due to mental health issues

@FelicityPike

Try and get a job? Put your child either in a nursery or with a childminder (usually cheaper). Find somewhere cheaper to live? Do you get maintenance from the child’s father? If not, claim it ASAP.

Also my little Girls dad has her part time and I have her part time it's not fair that he has a 24/7

@FelicityPike

Try and get a job? Put your child either in a nursery or with a childminder (usually cheaper). Find somewhere cheaper to live? Do you get maintenance from the child’s father? If not, claim it ASAP.

I'm because I'm on universal credit I'm in a house that I can afford and I can't even afford that properly unless I want to do a one bed shared accommodation with a seven month old child which they will not allow

Give the citizens advice bureau (CAB) a ring, they will be able to help you check that you're claiming all the benefits you're entitled to and discuss the other issues. Their phone number is on their website here

Check your benefit entitlement, but unfortunately benefits aren't enough to pay for someone to pay all living costs that would normally be shared with someone else - ie you'd normally be living with a working partner or receiving maintenance.

With housing, I expect that Gainsborough is a low cost area, but housing benefit will only cover rent for one of the cheaper properties in the area. Could you live in a studio or get a lodger?

How much do you have coming in each month and how much are you short?

Are you getting help for your mental health issues? If you were able to work even a couple of days a week when your DD is with her dad, that would probably help enormously with your finances.

Are you able / eligible for PIP ?

@sorryiasked

Give the citizens advice bureau (CAB) a ring, they will be able to help you check that you're claiming all the benefits you're entitled to and discuss the other issues. Their phone number is on their website here

Thank you I will give them a call later

You need to do a spreadsheet of your incoming and outgoing money and see if there is any way you can cut back. Or ask your ex if he can help you out more with child costs.

Are you in social housing ? If you are struggling to pay the rent call the HA, they will be able to discuss your rent and possible signpost you to other agencies in your area.

@MajorMujer

Are you able / eligible for PIP ?

I'm waiting to hear