Newly single parent - Full time student - What financial help? :(

AvaQuaver

Hello all

I am wondering if you can help me please. I recently had a baby (now 8 mths old) and I am currently studying full time, if me and my partner separated; what would I be entitled to?


KInd regards Ava x

MandM90

Hi,

I didn't want to read and run without giving a big virtual ((((hug))))

I don't know very much about benefits but, with your child being so young, I'm guessing you'll be entitled to housing benefit and income support. Perhaps switching to another uni at the beginning of this academic year (if there is one nearby with places left through clearing) might help as then you would probably be entitled to free grants, bursaries, childcare and of course a loan for the course fees.

If I were you I'd contact your Citizens Advice Bureau. Here is a benefits calculator:

http://www.turn2us.org.uk/benefits_search.aspx


PS. You will be just fine.

Person_one

Your ex will have to pay maintenance for his child, you can come to an arrangement between yourselves or you can go to the CSA.

I'm sorry your ex turned out to be such a !!!!!, best wishes for you and your little one.

Bluemeanie_2

Do you rent? Or has he stuck you with a mortgage and paying for the whole house? Hope not because that could get messy dividing it up.

Following on from what person one says, CSA is 15% of his NET pay minus 1/7th deduction for overnight stays. there is an online calculator.

If you rent think you may be entitled to housing benefit, possibly income support etc or some kind of loan and grant for studying. But I recommend using a turn to you calculator to see.

Bluemeanie_2

Sorry just saw Mandy's post. That calculator is good.

raven83

Don't worry and try not to panic!

You will be entitled to income support, child tax credit, and if you rent you will get housing benefit and council tax benefit. AFAIK OU course aren't considered as full time courses by the dwp so this wont affect you claim and you won't have to give it up. Also the father of your child will have to pay maintence for his child and AFAIK this is disregarded when you are on benefits.


HTH

daska

Have you already resigned from work or do you have a job to return to? I suspect that this might affect how easily the benefit side is sorted out. You probably need to go and ask this specific question on the benefits board.

To thank him for his generous offer of a month's bills I suggest you contact the CSA now and start a claim. They take a while to get going so don't leave it 'just in case' he starts being more reasonable.

The Old Style board is friendly and helpful for finding ways to reduce your outgoings.

Best of luck