Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Money matters

Find financial and money-saving discussions including debt and pension chat on our Money forum. If you're looking for ways to make your money to go further, sign up to our Moneysaver emails here.

Original poster

Benefits one - single mum of 1 what do you claim

15 replies

hasitreallybeenthatlong · 22/12/2022 20:05

Hi all recently left my partner, have a DS age 2 and work full time with DS in full time nursery, have a mortgage on my house, and between that and childcare it's crippling me just wondering if any other single parents out there in the same situation can share what benefits they are eligible too to help x

OP posts:
JuicyLipsDryEyes · 22/12/2022 20:07

I think it's Universal Credit and Child Benefit. There are benefits calculators online turn2us is one of them.

HelsyQ · 22/12/2022 20:07

Go on a benefit calculator online and see what you are eligible for?

VeryMoist · 22/12/2022 20:08

You might qualify for a council tax reduction. Look on your council's website for who qualifies.

chickflick · 22/12/2022 20:11

you might also be able to get help with childcare costs

Danikm151 · 22/12/2022 20:11

the universal credit you will be entitled to will be less as they won’t pay towards a mortgage but you will have a higher work allowance. Up to 85% or £646 childcare paid for a month.
go onto entitled to and it will give you an idea.

I have rent costs and take home £1600 from work after tax and pension and get £850 a month- £550 of that is childcare. It’s a massive help.

Lenald · 22/12/2022 20:16

Danikm151 · 22/12/2022 20:11

the universal credit you will be entitled to will be less as they won’t pay towards a mortgage but you will have a higher work allowance. Up to 85% or £646 childcare paid for a month.
go onto entitled to and it will give you an idea.

I have rent costs and take home £1600 from work after tax and pension and get £850 a month- £550 of that is childcare. It’s a massive help.

Is £656 the highest you could claim for childcare?

upfucked · 22/12/2022 20:17

Aren’t you entitled to 30 funded hours of chilcare?

Lenald · 22/12/2022 20:22

upfucked · 22/12/2022 20:17

Aren’t you entitled to 30 funded hours of chilcare?

Yes. All working parents are but it’s 30 hours a week term time - this can be equally split over the whole year if you prefer.

Lenald · 22/12/2022 20:22

Lenald · 22/12/2022 20:22

Yes. All working parents are but it’s 30 hours a week term time - this can be equally split over the whole year if you prefer.

Show quote history

Oh and also only the term after their 3rd birthday.

Danikm151 · 22/12/2022 20:24

if you get the 30 hours free you can also claim up to 85% of the extra you pay. Its all added to your UC entitlement though so wages will reduce the amount you get.
without knowing specifics it’s best to do a benefits calculator

@Lenald £646 for one child or 85% whichever is lower it’s £1000 for 2 children

Suzi888 · 22/12/2022 20:25

You need to get your winter fuel payment requests in- may depend which LA you are in.
If you claim benefit and have pets you may be entitled to free/cheaper treatment via PDSA.
Free meals and pupil clothing grants.

Lenald · 22/12/2022 20:30

Danikm151 · 22/12/2022 20:24

if you get the 30 hours free you can also claim up to 85% of the extra you pay. Its all added to your UC entitlement though so wages will reduce the amount you get.
without knowing specifics it’s best to do a benefits calculator

@Lenald £646 for one child or 85% whichever is lower it’s £1000 for 2 children

People on lower earnings could never work full time with that. What a way to be trapped on lower money and not be able to work your way out.

Isleoftights · 22/12/2022 20:40
  1. If on a 'means-tested' benefit, ask your energy company for the 'Warm Homes Discount', £150 per year. Too late for this winter, but apply from Sept. for next winter.
  2. Ask your water company if you qualify for a (reduced) 'social tariff'.
Danikm151 · 22/12/2022 20:48

@Lenald i work full time. I budget carefully but the taper rate means you’re better off working full time.
granted i’m at a nursery that is a lot cheaper than some. Full time is £800 per month so i put £150 of my own funds towards it.

Lenald · 22/12/2022 20:57

Full time where I am starts at £1500.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page