Hi I'm a single mum of 4, eldest child has decided to live with dad and so I'll be loosing quite a big chunk of the help through UC that I get. Eldest two are disabled so I got DLA etc which is why it's a bit more of a loss than normal. I did a calculator and I will now be minus £200 a month after all bills are paid and that's taking £50 a week off my normal food shop to account for eldest not being here. I work part time school hours around the children and receive carers allowance. I would happily work full time but ex has kids once a fortnight if that (last two months it's been once a month) and I'm not sure how I would juggle holidays and school pick ups as I have no family help and son needs extra care that most clubs can't facilitate.
I need ideas of how to either earn more with the kids in tow or from home ideally. I am very very stressed. The minus £200 is literally after bills, food and petrol. It doesn't account for any extras, trips out, clothes for the kids, Xmas or bday or unexpected expenses.
I am seriously considering telling ex he will have to have all 4 if he takes one because I don't know how I will provide them with what they needs. He pays no maintenance, lives quite a lavish lifestyle (a few holidays each year etc) which is why eldest wants to go there but it means me and his siblings will literally be relying on food banks etc.
I am so stressed.