Just separated & need help

pinkchick_2 · 14 October 2004 at 1:53AM

Hi, Am new to the MSE chat room & single parenthood!!

I'm separated with 2 kids (1 preschooler, 1 schooler), work 16 hrs per week, earning £96. I am getting CTC and WTC.
I feel I need to get out and earn more money, does anyone know if there is an income figure which is best to stay at to keep the CTC & WTC?
Any advice welcome......

Pinky

Prudent · 14 October 2004 at 2:01AM

I just want to say I am sorry pinkchick, it is not easy. Hang in there and it does get better. I don't know the answer to your question, though I do believe that you get a better rate if you work 30 hours a more. However as I full time working single parent myself, I would say be cautious about this. It can be really tough going.
This site is absolutely brilliant at helping you get the best from the money you do have coming in ;D .It has helped us have a much better lifestyle than we would have otherwise on my income.

pinkchick_2 · 14 October 2004 at 4:18AM

Thank you, glad it gets easier

I'll search out some more info.................... and share it!

Fran · 14 October 2004 at 12:38PM

Hi Pinkchick,

There is not a "best" figure that can be quoted regarding your income, but you could go to your local Citizens Advice Bureau if you have some figures for a change in job/income and they will do a "better off calculation" to see how much (or not) you would be better/worse off in a new financial situation. Unless you get a very large salary you are likely to carry on getting some WTC/CTC. Have you put in applications for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit as you may be entitled to one or both?

pinkchick_2 · 14 October 2004 at 10:36PM

Thanks Fran, was hoping to get along to the CAB today, but kids ill!!! I'll certainly apply for the housing benefit & council tax benefit, guess you never know if you don't have a go!!

Feeling more

today!!
Thanks for the advice, what a fantastic website!!

mini · 15 October 2004 at 1:56AM

May be worth looking at https://www.entitledto.co.uk to use their calculator & check your entitlement and also how possible changes may effect your tax credits, you can also check out council tax & housing benefit on there, if you think you may be eligible get a form don't put it off as you may lose money.

mini

pinkchick_2 · 15 October 2004 at 7:34PM

Thanks for the website info mini.

babysaver · 16 October 2004 at 1:38PM

Pinkchick - have you thought about CSA to get the kids dad to pay maintenance? Thier phone number is 0845 6090042.

Hope things are getting better

pinkchick_2 · 19 October 2004 at 1:41AM

Thanks for all your help guys, this week much better than last, have applied for everything I am entitled to, and am cutting the expenditure too thanks to this site.

The future looks a brighter place!!
Pinky

tanny_2 · 19 October 2004 at 7:32PM

:)hiya, just another thought. when i was a single parent i had a lodger (only females) and under the "rent a room" scheme run by the inland revenue, you dont have to pay tax. (there is a limit .........cant remember what but i know i charged £45 a week (nearly 8 years ago) and i was under the limit.

i own my own house and it helped me hold on to it and to pay the mortgage......another benenfit was that some of them were really nice and it was nice not having to come home to a dark scary house!!! things will get better ..........life has a habit of moving on

pinkchick_2 · 20 October 2004 at 10:22PM

Hi Tanny

Thats a good idea, bit of adult company & some cash!! Could end up with a 'single white female' psycho tho I suppose!!!! Or they could have same dodgy habits as the ex!!!

Ugh!!
Pinky

Just separated & need help

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