Single mum, need advice for benefits

singlemom7

Hello Forum members.

Please please please do not judge me or think I am one of the benefit hungry person.

So I am a single mum to 5 children, eldest one just turned 16 and started college today.
I am on Income support because my youngest is still 3 years old.

Question is can my son apply for Income support and therefore apply for Bursary i think it is called?, I tried using the calculator but he is not living by himself, he is still with me. He also isn't married with kids. So I am a little confused

If he does apply, am I right in thinking his child tax credit will be cut off too? and also will rent be apply to him (I live in a squashed council 2 bed house)

I have been left in arrears by my ex, trying to pay off but I am affected by the benefit cap and feel like everything is getting to me slowly and feel like there is no way out. Explained to the creditors and feel like they don't really understand why I am asking for a small repayment plan


So please can someone advice me and not judge me for asking if I am eligible or my son is eligible for any help. Thank you for reading

littleredhen

Welcome to the forum, I don't really know the answer to your questions but I have found this link which might be helpful
https://www.nus.org.uk/en/advice/money-and-funding/can-i-claim-government-benefits-as-a-student/

pmlindyloo

No, your son would not be eligible for income support as he does not meet the criteria. Your Child Benefit and child tax credits will continue as he is still in full time education.

There would be no change to your housing benefit as he is still in full time education.

What arrears are you in - rent arrears or something else - credit cards etc?

Are you on the housing list because of overcrowding?

If you have lots of debt then I suggest you post on the Debtfree Wannabe forum on this site to get some advice. There are some very experienced people on that forum who offer extremely good advice.

[Deleted User]

If you are on income support your child should be entitled to any bursaries or grants the college give out, if any. Check the college web site and apply.

Craig1981

unfortunately your son cannot claim income support or any other type of benefit while he is 16 and in education, as he still forms part of your household. he can look at bursaries and grants for his courses etc

as you have said you are affected by the benefit cap, so around £385pw.

if at all possible, your three year old will be eligible for 15 hours free childcare. i would suggest taking this up, finding part time job for 16 hours a week to maximise your income. once you working 16 hours a week, there is no benefit cap applicable if you claim working tax credits

a for your debts, speak to CAB, Stepchange, National Debtline to see options available to you. CAB will also be able to assist with other benefit related questions, maximising income etc

singlemom7

Thank you everyone for the replies.

Debt come from ex making me take out loans - yes foolish thing to do but been a victim of emotion and mental abuse so have done many things that looking back now I shouldnt have. But moving on, trying to sort out my finances.

Have applied for bursary so fingers crossed.

@craig1981 - If i work part time - my Income support stops but can apply for Working tax, am I right?

sheramber

As long as you work 16 hours a week.

LocoLoco

OP, just wanted to check you have told Child Benefit/Tax Credits that your son is staying in full time education as they don't assume that to be the case? Child Benefit passed on the info to Tax Credits when I informed them but I don't know if that is always standard so double check if you're not sure. My son's been given free school meals at college because I'm on Income Support; I don't know if that's the same everywhere but again worth checking when you sort out the bursary. The lady at the guidance centre was very helpful (some also help with transport costs if that's necessary).

Caz3121

if you work 16 hours and claim WTC you will no longer be subject to the benefit cap and probably get help with childcare costs...worth looking at numbers in the benefit calculators

Tabbytabitha

Don't forget that your son can get a part time job while he's studying and this won't affect your benefits,

Ames

You might not be able to claim tax credits, it depends where you live. In many areas it would have to be universal credit.