Starting again!

KimStar

Hi there everyone been thinking about something for a while now and just want to know if my idea is at all possible.

I am a single mother and work part time and have always worked since leaving school so don't have much knowledge about this kind of topic.

I really am starting to get down in the dumps with life and really don't like where I currently live and don't feel I'd like to bring my son up here, the only thing that keeps me here is my job. What I would love to do is move somewhere else in Scotland but my main worry is if I give up my job to do so I won't be entitled to anything until I get on my feet again and find myself a job in my new location wherever this may be..

Could anyone tell me (hopefully someone out there will have similar experience re this) if I would be eligible at all to claim any sort of benefit etc until I found a new job?

Thanks

Indie_Kid

How old is your son?

KimStar

Hi there

My son is 20 months at the mo

Oldernotwiser

If you have a child of this age you can move from JSA to IS as a lone parent without any repercussions at all.

You should be able to claim IS, CTC, CB, LHA/HB, CTB and maintenance from the child's father.

KimStar

I see! (Thank you for your response)

I'm just trying to weigh up the pros and cons, moving is a tough decision and not having much money behind me doesn't help things much.

Could someone also clear something up for me - I don't know whether this is true or not, that if you are over 25 and are studying full time you are eligible to get help with your rent payments ?

Indie_Kid

Not heard that one. Is it further (A level standard) or higher (degree level) ?

dktreesea

If you are a single mother and work part time, as long as it is 16 hours a week or more, you should be eligible for help with your rent and council tax payments. If you don't mind me asking, where do you currently live in Scotland? There's lots of help up here for this kind of thing. The Citizens Advice Bureau would be a good place to start.