End of relationship, living cost help.

[Brightlightlisa]

So my partner had moved back in with his mum for a couple of weeks while we have a think about if we want to go ahead with our relationship. If things don't work out I'm hoping to stay in our rented house. I work part time and have top up with universal credit including with my partners wages. But it would go up quite a bit with just me and my little boy in the house. Hoping to get any tips and advice to survive living on your own or any benefits to help. Im just worried about all the living costs going up. Been suffering with mental health issues too, partly to do with the relationship, partly just truggling with being a parent. Thanks.

I’m sorry you’re facing this change in circumstances. How old is your son, and is you working full time an option?

Have a look on entitled to as they have a calculator which will tell you how much universal credit you’re entitled to. This includes help with rent and childcare. It tends to be pretty accurate. That’s your first consideration, if you earn too much to qualify then I’d consider increasing your hours at work

Is your partner your child's father? He'd need to pay child support unless you're intending 50/50 residency.

Please don't base how you pay for things on whether you stay together. Better off making it alone, work full time if you can.