need help on being single mum

YummyMummy_5

Hi, I am about to move out of my partners flat (don't know where yet), and move into somewhere that I will have to rent. We have a 3 year old who will be coming with me.
My daughter is in nursery 3 days a week (which I currently pay for), I work 3 days a week and take home £1000.00 per month.
I do not have the money for an immediate deposit for a flat so that is the first hurdle. I have no idea where to start regarding what I am entitled to.
Can anybody help?

Rachie_B

go and have an appointment with a lone parent advisor at the local job centre

or citizens advice

as she is 3 yrs old you should be getting your daughter a free place at nursery for, i think 5 sessions a week ( half days)

check the benefits boards for more links and advice etc

((hugs))

holstar

clicky will help you with what you are entitled to get, benefits wise etc

I'm sorry I can't be more help, there'll be other more knowledgeable people along soon.

Sharra

You don't say whether you have worked out maintenance for your daughter with your partner. If I was in your position, I would definitely be asking him for a contribution towards a flat deposit as I'm sure he wouldn't want his daughter living somewhere grotty.
If your working hours are limited because you are looking after your daughter, morally he should be compensating you for that - unless he's going to mind her while you work?

MortgageMamma

Yes I agree, the first thing you need to do is approach your partner for some maintenance. You need to contact working families tax credits and tell them you have had a change in circumstances and that should go up, you will probably get the majority of your childcare paid for. If your child is 3 he/she is entitled to 10 free nursery sessions per week this starts the term after your childs third birthday. My son goes from 12.30 - 3pm each afternoon, which is the way most nurseries work on morning or afternoons basis. I would recommend before you do anything that you seek legal advice as to your entitlements regarding your property - you may be entitled to more than you think. If you think your partner is going to be unsupportive re maintenance and the child then you might want to adopt the "make the most out of a bad situation" and try for as much as you can.

angchris

before you leave make sure you have enough money to pay upfront for a new place. most rental companies require a months rent and a deposit (normally same amount as months rent) and you will have to pay the fees for setting up the tenancy agreement. on top of this you will obviousely need money to live off of for the month until any housing benefit/wf tax credit is worked out. i`d say dont leave where you are unless you have a minimum of £1500/£2000 saved up to sort yourself out properly in a place to live, obviousely this may not be possible as you might be on the verge of killing each other :eek:but try and stay where you are as long as poss to save up some cash. i wish you all the best as i`ve been there done that and its not easy.

Red_Fraggle_3

Good luck - its not easy dont do what i did up and leave with nothing unless its the only option (luckly family bailed me out!!)

Remember the little ones need your support and they give it back as well

I found I seemed to throw myself into work and had to prove to everyone that I was better than them - still feel the pressure of single mum stuff 5 years on

Scarlett1

you will be entitled to basic child tax credits and working tax credits, you wont get council tax credit but you might get a top up of housing benefit

Errata

Many districts have rent deposit schemes - they pay the rent deposit for people who just haven't got it, like you, and you pay them back over a period of time. Your local CAB will have details if there's a scheme in your area. Best wishes and good luck