Support/benefits for single mums

[Angeldelight21]

Hi everyone,

Me and partner are separated but not oficially divorced yet. I have applied for universal credit but wondering if I could be eligible for anything else.

I work full time but still struggling financially.

TIA

Universal Credit is the current mechanism topping up low wages for new applicants. Previously that would have been tax credits.

Have you moved out and are you paying rent? Do you have kids and if so what are their ages?

Have you used a tool like turn2us to ascertain what you might get?

If you're now the sole adult in your home you should get a 25% reduction in Council Tax. There's also a low income scheme that reduces the amount payable. Each Council in England sets it's own scheme and the bar above which you get nothing is very low. Worth a look though.

The water companies all have social tariffs for folks on low income as do some Broadband providers.

Best way forward is to do a benefits check on turn2us or similar site. Good luck

Child benefit

Universal credit can also give you (depending on income) help with things like social tariff on broadband, free school meals, prescriptions, etc

I used entitled to to work out what I was eligible for. At the time I worked one day a week. I got tax credits, income support (including a mortgage interest payment) and full council tax reduction (ie I didn't pay any).

Income support was until my youngest turned 5, at which point I was working an extra day.

It will be Universal credit depending on your earnings/ whether you pay rent etc. if you have over 16k savings you won't be able to claim Uc. if you own half a house with your ex and your share of equity is over 16k you won't be able to claim unless it is being sold or him buying you out.
You can also claim child benefit if earnings under 60k.
You should also put in a claim for child maintenance - payments will not affect UC.

To expand on @Babyroobs point if you have equity in a joint house and he won't buy you out or co-operate with sale it's not fatal to a UC claim.

As long as you're taking steps to sell, for example instructing solicitors to challenge the ex's lack of action, you should still be eligible.

Also, the value of a half share of the equity in a home where obtaining vacant possession to sell is going to be a long struggle uphill may be a lot less than you think.