Some of these responses are horrible. I think adult children should pay their way when living at home and working. I did, willingly. I happily paid a 3rd of my salary and I was able to save well and have a life. I was only taking home £1k a month back then too. I brought my house independently and I never questioned my parents for taking money from me. I did housework and my own washing and sometimes cooking, but my parents were still providing everything in the household, including food and toiletries, for me to use and be able to live a care free life. I didnt have to buy my own appliances or sort utilities etc. There were 5 adults at home, sometimes 4 different meals were being cooked, washing machine on constantly, sky in every room, etc. When I eventually moved out paying money out was normal to me, but you then realise how easy you had it paying your parents so little! My siblings on the otherhand weren't happy paying board so paid a lesser amount than me. But that was OK as I chose what I thought was fair. My parents were still at a loss each month but our board helped bridge the gap.
I am a single parent and when the time comes I will lose CM, CB, CTR and tax credits. I am already working full time. In my job I cannot work more hours than the full time I do. I could move jobs but I absolutely love my job. Job satisfaction is very important to me, so why should I leave. Not all parents work part time whilst raising their children.
How are low income households meant to keep paying for adult children when they lose a large sum of money because their child becomes an adult?
I would love to be in a position to not need to take money off my child. But the fact of the matter is we are a single low income household. I can barely afford life now, let alone take a big income drop and continue to fund my adult child.
My opinion comes from growing up with two incredibly hardworking parents but on low incomes. We had an ok life but vastly different from our peers. No regular birthdays, no money gifts, no days out, no takeaways, no treats, no school trips, no big 16th, 18th or 21st's. I never saw my parents do anything for themselves or with each other. I knew they wouldn't be profiting from the board I paid. It was enabling them to maintain the household we all shared and level of living we were used to. I am in a similar situation myself but on my own with a child. I understand now more than ever just how hard my parents worked their arses off for us and gave us the best they could with their circumstances. I'd give anything to be able to pay £330 a month for EVERYTHING now! Being an adult is about responsibilities and it is not cheap!
There is no right answer here as it depends on your circumstances but no one should be made to feel bad for taking money off their adult children when you are providing a roof and the utilities etc for them to use.
Beside what adult can live for free? Surely that's setting the wrong example allowing them to.