Need some advice for my mum please

JPS

Hi

My parents separated about 3 years ago after a 30 year marriage and it's fair to say their lives and financial circumstances have changed significantly over that time.

My mum is 58 and now finds herself in a very hard position with very limited money. She has always worked part time and has tried for a very long time to get a full time job but has struggled to get one.

She works 20 hours a week (been in this job for 10 years), now lives in a 2 bedroom privately rented flat on her own and after dipping into savings every month, they will all but run out within the next few months and currently gets zero help from the government. As you can imagine, she is starting to seriously worry about money now and she doesn't know where to turn. I help my mum out and do as much as I can in regards to saving money for her where I can. I am really good with finances but this is just not my strong point as I've never had to deal with anything like this before. She has asked her current employer if she can up her working hours to 30 hours a week and is awaiting to hear back about this.

I have looked into tax/universal credits but it's all very confusing. I am really hoping people on here might have had experience of being in a similar position to my mum and know where is best to turn for help? Or know what financial help would be available to her.

My mum never expected to be in this position and it's tough.

Thanks in advance for your help and advice

Darksparkle

She is not entitled to WTC based on the information you have given. She needs to work at least 30hrs per week (unless disabilities and receiving qualifying benefit or children under 20 and in full time non advanced education).

The 30hrs doesn't need to be one job. Has she considered a second part time job or is there anything she can do on a self employed basis? Cleaning perhaps?

There are various benefit calculators online such as entitledto or turn2us that she can use.

Cakeguts

Has she tried to get an over 50s retirement property to rent. It might be cheaper especially if it is one bedroom only.

xylophone

Is there a local Housing Association which might be able to offer a one bedroom flat?

Is there any entitlement to housing benefit/council tax reduction?

Is she paying her council tax over twelve months?

Is she making sure that she has the best possible deals for all utilities?

cattie

Could she take in a lodger for a while to help out with finances? Many years ago I was in a bad place financially through losing my job due to ill health. I considered a lodger but then was lucky enough to hear about a language school looking for host accomodation for students. Most were from very good & well off families & very little trouble indeed.

Februarycat

I'm in the same situation as your mum so know how hard it is for her. Only things I have been able to get is Single person discount on Council tax and paying it over 12 months and I got the Warm Home Discount last year. Don't seem to be entitled to anything else.

NeilCr

Could be worth a visit to the local CAB for a benefits check and any other help/information they can provide

FBaby

There are no two ways about it, she needs to work FT. You say she's tried to do so for years, but has only recently asked her employer to up her hours?

Also, why only 30 hours? To do no more than what she has to to get tax credits? It might very well be that it would be easier for her boss to give her a FT job (37-40 hours) rather than what is likely to count as 4 days only which might not be available for anyone.

JPS

Thanks for all your replies and help guys, much appreciated.

We are looking into various things now. But wow there really isn't much support for people that fall into this category is there?

Darksparkle

JPS wrote: »

Thanks for all your replies and help guys, much appreciated.

We are looking into various things now. But wow there really isn't much support for people that fall into this category is there?

Think it's just assumed that if you have no disabilities or children then working full time shouldn't be an issue.

Februarycat

JPS wrote: »

Thanks for all your replies and help guys, much appreciated.

We are looking into various things now. But wow there really isn't much support for people that fall into this category is there?

No there is not, people say get a full time job, but nowadays it's not that easy to get full time job especially once your over 50, I have been looking for 5 years for a full time job, and only got part time hours and struggle.