Page 8 | Universal credit for solo parent?

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Original poster

Sam97x · 28/07/2025 19:52

JustGotToKeepOnKeepingOn · 28/07/2025 19:51

If your mat leave payment is maternity allowance, you won’t get anything after the 9 months payment. The expectation is that you find a job, which is what I had to do as I got made redundant when I was pregnant. Dog walking sounds like the perfect job for you! You can set your own hours and plan with a local childminder or nursery what those hours would be. There are loads of dogs everywhere so you’ll pick up clients again. Why not put out a few feelers now and see who you can attract?

You may also have to rethink not working until your baby is one. I had to go back to work when DD was 10 months old as a job offer came my way. I wasn’t in a position to turn it down.

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I’m going to. Thank you :)

OP posts:

mamagogo1 · 28/07/2025 19:54

You can put in a joint claim with your partner and if the joint income is low enough you’ll get help. You don’t get special help because he’s in the navy, lots of parents have to work away.

If its a struggle with him working away why not look at navy accommodation? My DD’s house is lovely and very low rent.

Moankraft · 28/07/2025 19:55

NotEnoughKnittingTime · 28/07/2025 19:37

How are they entitled when the only way they are entitled is if they squirrel away some of it so they it looks like they have a reduced income?

Plus isn't it rich to come onto this thread, lambast her when she was just saying she was only looking into claiming and then moan because she gave you the same tone back? If you have nothing nice to say..

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They wouldn’t receive it if they’re weren’t entitled to it. Pension savings don’t form part of the earnings threshold for childcare discounts the same as they don’t for income thresholds for claiming benefits like child benefit or universal credit. This isn’t some loophole but a deliberate design feature of the tax system because everybody needs to be saving for retirement and in some jobs people have no choice over their employee contribution level if they wish to be part of the pension scheme at all (teachers, nurses etc) so you might make a lot of public sector workers who are struggling to make ends meet ineligible for child benefit - or, indeed, for lower paid staff ineligible for Universal Credit which also excludes pension contributions - if you didn’t exclude pension payments from the calculations for eligibility. Why, in your opinion, should income thresholds for eligibility for childcare discounts be calculated in a different way to how income thresholds are calculated in every other area of the tax and benefits system? It’s standard across all elements of the UK tax system in terms of how income is assessed to exclude pension contributions.

Why are you comparing this to someone stating they want to claim benefits because they’d prefer that to working? It has no relevance at all to the situation being discussed.

The OP was “lambasted”, as you put it, firstly for falsely claiming to be a lone parent, which she later retracted, and for trying to find a way to claim benefits because she’d “rather not work” when she says she is perfectly capable of working.

She did not “reply in the same tone”, she was using profanities and referring to other posters as “bitches”. I’ve not seen anybody referring to her in such a manner.

Original poster

Sam97x · 28/07/2025 19:55

And also. Being at home with my baby is literally the best thing I could do for her while she’s still so young and her dads not here, so I’m obviously going to see if it’s possible to make that happen. If not, then it’s okay. I’m just trying to do right by my baby, not offend or hurt anyone. I did completely make a shambles of the first post. I know I’m not a single parent, and I know I’m not a solo parent now. But I am just a parent who’s trying to do their best. Thank you for those who have left supportive comments

OP posts:

Cantcalloutanythinghere · 28/07/2025 19:55

Off topic OP but if you are hoping to put your baby in childcare in three months time, I would start ringing around nurseries as most have long waiting lists if you haven't already.

Also, I have a friend that was a dog walker and took her baby with her in a sling. If you're looking for a little extra cash to begin with maybe you could consider taking on a couple of clients and take baby with you?

Barrenfieldoffucks · 28/07/2025 19:57

Surely as a shared household you should be sharing finances? Then decide as a couple whether you an afford for you to stay off work for a while? His income should not only be available to him, when you have a shared child. He is your first port of call (excuse the pun), not the state.

Original poster

Sam97x · 28/07/2025 19:59

Moankraft · 28/07/2025 19:55

They wouldn’t receive it if they’re weren’t entitled to it. Pension savings don’t form part of the earnings threshold for childcare discounts the same as they don’t for income thresholds for claiming benefits like child benefit or universal credit. This isn’t some loophole but a deliberate design feature of the tax system because everybody needs to be saving for retirement and in some jobs people have no choice over their employee contribution level if they wish to be part of the pension scheme at all (teachers, nurses etc) so you might make a lot of public sector workers who are struggling to make ends meet ineligible for child benefit - or, indeed, for lower paid staff ineligible for Universal Credit which also excludes pension contributions - if you didn’t exclude pension payments from the calculations for eligibility. Why, in your opinion, should income thresholds for eligibility for childcare discounts be calculated in a different way to how income thresholds are calculated in every other area of the tax and benefits system? It’s standard across all elements of the UK tax system in terms of how income is assessed to exclude pension contributions.

Why are you comparing this to someone stating they want to claim benefits because they’d prefer that to working? It has no relevance at all to the situation being discussed.

The OP was “lambasted”, as you put it, firstly for falsely claiming to be a lone parent, which she later retracted, and for trying to find a way to claim benefits because she’d “rather not work” when she says she is perfectly capable of working.

She did not “reply in the same tone”, she was using profanities and referring to other posters as “bitches”. I’ve not seen anybody referring to her in such a manner.

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maybe too harsh, was just a bit fed up of being attacked. It’s not possible to edit the first post, so I wish people had read the thread before coming at me

OP posts:

Moankraft · 28/07/2025 20:01

Sam97x · 28/07/2025 19:55

And also. Being at home with my baby is literally the best thing I could do for her while she’s still so young and her dads not here, so I’m obviously going to see if it’s possible to make that happen. If not, then it’s okay. I’m just trying to do right by my baby, not offend or hurt anyone. I did completely make a shambles of the first post. I know I’m not a single parent, and I know I’m not a solo parent now. But I am just a parent who’s trying to do their best. Thank you for those who have left supportive comments

I’m sure it would be lovely for you and your baby to be at home together. The question was why you think other working parents should have to work longer hours to pay higher taxes and get less time with their own children to fund that for you and others of a similar mindset when you have stated that you could work if you wanted to do so.

Sh291 · 28/07/2025 20:36

I don't think you would be entitled to anything because your husbands wage would likely be too high and you mentioned you had savings. Over 16k you wouldn't be entitled to anything.

Chonk · 28/07/2025 20:42

pinkglitter12 · 28/07/2025 17:30

I really can't believe the hate women get for wanting to do the best for their child, by being their primary caregiver, which is the best thing for their development!
He really needs to be paying his wages into a joint account that you can access even when hes deployed elsewhere.
Its really not fair on you at all. You want to give your baby the best start by being fully present in these really important developmental years and witnessing her milestones.
Yes hes paying for the house and the bills that come with it, but he would be paying them regardless if he was single.
He needs to be paying for his child too.
Have you had a conversation with him about what upbringing he would like for his child and whether hes willing to support you more?

Yes, he'd be paying for housing/household bills if he was single, but so would OP?

pinkglitter12 · 29/07/2025 05:04

The op was asking for advice. She has literally not long given birth, worrying about her husband and here's a bunch of cackling old hens getting their penny's worth in. You chose to sacrifice your poor children's wellbeing to the state.
Good for you , you went back to work and spent every penny paying for your child to be raised by somebody else.
The spiteful jealously is unreal.
Nature intended the mother to raise the child.

pinkglitter12 · 29/07/2025 05:11

Chonk · 28/07/2025 20:42

Yes, he'd be paying for housing/household bills if he was single, but so would OP?

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She has a child

pinkglitter12 · 29/07/2025 05:21

Moankraft · 28/07/2025 20:01

I’m sure it would be lovely for you and your baby to be at home together. The question was why you think other working parents should have to work longer hours to pay higher taxes and get less time with their own children to fund that for you and others of a similar mindset when you have stated that you could work if you wanted to do so.

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You know, any woman can take that hit and say I'm going to be there for my baby, I'm going to cash in that tax I've been paying.
I just think there are maternal women and then theres material women

Whynotjustengageyourbrain · 29/07/2025 05:40

BabyCatFace · 28/07/2025 10:53

No, because you have a partner who lives with you when not working and is responsible for financially providing for your child.

This. Jay-zus!! 🤯

Barrenfieldoffucks · 29/07/2025 06:48

pinkglitter12 · 29/07/2025 05:04

The op was asking for advice. She has literally not long given birth, worrying about her husband and here's a bunch of cackling old hens getting their penny's worth in. You chose to sacrifice your poor children's wellbeing to the state.
Good for you , you went back to work and spent every penny paying for your child to be raised by somebody else.
The spiteful jealously is unreal.
Nature intended the mother to raise the child.

I think the objection is more that as a couple, they need to decide this as the parents have the ultimate responsibility, not the state. Why doesn't he support her in staying him if that's what they both want?

Latenightreader · 29/07/2025 06:54

pinkglitter12 · 29/07/2025 05:21

You know, any woman can take that hit and say I'm going to be there for my baby, I'm going to cash in that tax I've been paying.
I just think there are maternal women and then theres material women

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It really, really isn't always possible. My employer paid SMP so when that stopped completely (9 months?) I knew I had to go back to work and planned for that (solo parent). Doesn't make me any less maternal or 'material' in anyway, unless you think it is materialistic to want food/gas/electricity?

Cantcalloutanythinghere · 29/07/2025 07:50

pinkglitter12 · 29/07/2025 05:04

The op was asking for advice. She has literally not long given birth, worrying about her husband and here's a bunch of cackling old hens getting their penny's worth in. You chose to sacrifice your poor children's wellbeing to the state.
Good for you , you went back to work and spent every penny paying for your child to be raised by somebody else.
The spiteful jealously is unreal.
Nature intended the mother to raise the child.

I don't see jealousy. Posters are just answering the question. Yes, some are offended by her clumsy wording. But posters aren't stating that she can't as they're jealous. She isn't married, doesn't have joint finances and has a partner earning too much to claim UC. The reality is she needs to work.

VanCleefArpels · 29/07/2025 07:58

@Sam97x I think you need to discuss the family (and I use that word deliberately) finances with your partner. You seen to be a bit stuck on “his” and “your” money. Sit down and work out if you can afford to stay at home a bit longer on one income that is SHARED and easily accessible by you in a joint account. There’s a great budgeting tool on the moneysavingexpert website.

Oh and get married pronto!

Barrenfieldoffucks · 29/07/2025 08:20

pinkglitter12 · 29/07/2025 05:04

The op was asking for advice. She has literally not long given birth, worrying about her husband and here's a bunch of cackling old hens getting their penny's worth in. You chose to sacrifice your poor children's wellbeing to the state.
Good for you , you went back to work and spent every penny paying for your child to be raised by somebody else.
The spiteful jealously is unreal.
Nature intended the mother to raise the child.

Also... jealousy of what?

KateMiskin · 29/07/2025 08:23

VanCleefArpels · 29/07/2025 07:58

@Sam97x I think you need to discuss the family (and I use that word deliberately) finances with your partner. You seen to be a bit stuck on “his” and “your” money. Sit down and work out if you can afford to stay at home a bit longer on one income that is SHARED and easily accessible by you in a joint account. There’s a great budgeting tool on the moneysavingexpert website.

Oh and get married pronto!

I agree. Is he not sharing his money with you? Because he should be.

Moankraft · 30/07/2025 15:39

pinkglitter12 · 29/07/2025 05:21

You know, any woman can take that hit and say I'm going to be there for my baby, I'm going to cash in that tax I've been paying.
I just think there are maternal women and then theres material women

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What a disgusting comment. Many women would love to just chill out at home with their babies/ children but have to work to support their families financially. It’s disgraceful for you to imply that they’re doing so because they don’t want to “be there for their baby”. It’s not much good to the children for their mother to be with them all day if they have no home or food, is it?

Moankraft · 30/07/2025 15:45

pinkglitter12 · 29/07/2025 05:04

The op was asking for advice. She has literally not long given birth, worrying about her husband and here's a bunch of cackling old hens getting their penny's worth in. You chose to sacrifice your poor children's wellbeing to the state.
Good for you , you went back to work and spent every penny paying for your child to be raised by somebody else.
The spiteful jealously is unreal.
Nature intended the mother to raise the child.

I see. And did “nature intend” some children to have ever decreasing amounts of time with their own mothers who have to work ever longer hours to provide them with a home due to rising taxes, so that other children’s mothers who do not wish to work can be with their children 24/7 at the expense of the former children? And meanwhile these working mothers are expected to put up with people like you making disparaging comments about them implying that they “aren’t maternal” and don’t care about their children, while you’re happy to have your rent and bills paid for by them?

The hypocrisy is unreal.

NotEnoughKnittingTime · 30/07/2025 16:32

Moankraft · 30/07/2025 15:45

I see. And did “nature intend” some children to have ever decreasing amounts of time with their own mothers who have to work ever longer hours to provide them with a home due to rising taxes, so that other children’s mothers who do not wish to work can be with their children 24/7 at the expense of the former children? And meanwhile these working mothers are expected to put up with people like you making disparaging comments about them implying that they “aren’t maternal” and don’t care about their children, while you’re happy to have your rent and bills paid for by them?

The hypocrisy is unreal.

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Where does she suggest she doesn't want to work?

Moankraft · 30/07/2025 17:13

NotEnoughKnittingTime · 30/07/2025 16:32

Where does she suggest she doesn't want to work?

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Quotes from the OP about her intention to attempt to claim benefits she doesn’t need for three months rather than work, when she also admits that she’s perfectly capable of working:

Because of this I am the sole carer of our baby pretty much 24/7. could i be entitled to UC once my maternity allowance stops after October? Does anyone else solo parent because their partner is in the armed forces and is entitled to anything?

I am the only one here for our baby all the time so I would rather be home with her if I can, but of course everyone wants to be

i was just seeing if i could get a little something for a few more months so i dont have to put her in care before she’s 1.

As her only parent at home, I was seeing if i could have a little more time with her before leaving her with someone else.

I’ve been absolutely hounded just for wanting to stay at home with my baby till she’s 1 [by claiming benefits instead of working].

Yep, nothing to lose. It would literally be just for 3 months

I can literally look into anything I like, as can anyone. And if it gets declined, that’s totally fine.

I was just curious as to whether I could (NOT SHOULD like some people have said) get something the 3 months after MA stops.

I don’t think I ‘should’ be entitled (third time) literally just wanted to know if I’d get something between the 3 months of MA stopping and her being 1.

And also. Being at home with my baby is literally the best thing I could do for her while she’s still so young and her dads not here, so I’m obviously going to see if it’s possible to make that happen [by claiming benefits instead of working].

Universal credit for solo parent?

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