Single income households how are you managing?

[Usernamefoundunderthebed]

I'm really struggling with day to day living costs at the moment. My income is just a few pounds over being eligible for UC or any other other support but I'm one big bill away from going under.

I have no savings, but I have access to a 0% credit card which has some debt on it from an essential major repair. I'm paying off more than the minimum on that and so long as no further repairs come in I should be clear of this by November - which is still within the 0% time frame, so I'm not concerned about this debt.

How is anyone, but mainly single parents, coping in this situation? I have a disability so while on paper I can increase my hours in reality doing so will also increase my sickness levels and in turn put my job at risk.

Have you done a recent check for UC eligibility?

Recent changes to the Work Allowances and Taper have spread eligibility quite a bit. If you rent your home then, effective 01/04/24, the Local Housing Allowance that sets a ceiling on what you can get is revalorised in accordance with current market rents - albeit only at the third decile.

We're doing ok, holding steady I'd say.

But I'm watching every penny and not spending on anything except essentials.
Using a log burner and free wood to boost the heating.

I'm living in hope of an April pay rise. Or an annual bonus.

I have but I'm a home owner which puts my eligibility to zero. If I rented I'd get a small amount.

I've just taken on a second job, thankfully the kids are teens and pre-teens so I'm working 45 hours a week and still always thinking about money.

A few ideas that might reduce costs/ or help access benefits -

Pension contributions are 100% disregarded by UC from income.

A small contribution (£16 a month or more) into a SIPP, might reduce income sufficiently to enable UC and onto other associated benefits. (Work out if this is worthwhile in your case).

Discounted supermarket gift cards to stretch the food budget. Mostly sold at about 4% discount. If used regularly, it means rarely paying full price for shopping. I also do the same with Amazon/Argos gift cards near Christmas/birthdays.
https://www.cardyard.co.uk/

I've made over £700 in 18 months through bank switching offers using a dummy account (keeping my main account separate).
https://becleverwithyourcash.com/the-best-bank-switching-cashback-interest-offers/#RBS_200_switching_offer

Is your mortgage high OP? Could you get a lodger?

I doubt you can really compare to others - many will have CM coming in, many will have significant amounts of Uc particularly if paying high childcare and/ or rent.

Exactly same position as you. It’s horrible and I have no solution.