How do single stay-at-home mums manage on Universal Credit?
How do single stay-at-home mums manage on Universal Credit?
Hi everyone,
I’m really hoping to hear from other mums who might be in a similar situation.
It’s looking like I may soon be on my own with my 11 month old baby, and I’m honestly terrified about how I’ll manage financially. At the moment, my rent is £995 per month, council tax £223 per month, and utilities are roughly £440 per month, before even thinking about food or baby essentials.
I’m just trying to get a realistic sense of what support is available and how other single mums make it work on universal credit. Any budgeting tips, extra help with housing or childcare, or any benefits I might not know about.
If you’ve been in this position, a single, stay-at-home parent on Universal Credit, how did you manage month to month?
Any advice or reassurance would honestly mean so much right now.
Thank you x
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I went back to work as financially you'll alway be better off working
If you’re single you will be entitled to a single persons 25% discount on your council tax and possibly a council tax reduction being on UC, UC may also help to contribute something to your rent. Have a look for a benefit calculator online or speak to citizens advice x
Wouldn't you get housing benefit if you're on UC? Which would help with your rent cost.
Also worth pursuing your ex for support via child maintenance services.
Entitled to - benefits calculator is really good to get a guide on this stuff. Turn to us have some extra little costs that you might be eligible for.
Child support!!!! CMS are a nightmare. But don't let him off the hook.
You can get childcare cost help from uc as well as 30 hours funded hours if you work at least 16 hours a week or early £195 a week. Maybe try and come to an agreement with the dad on child maintenance if you can and if not then definitely CMS. You should get help with your rent (may not be the full amount but still can be helpful!)
I hope you are doing okay!
Thank you so much everyone. I’ve been feeling down all day and crying my eyes out. I barely played with my baby today. I just can’t believe this is my life now, I never imagined things would be like this for me, I feel so unlucky and I just want to not exist right now. He just got home after hanging out with his friend and now he’s just chilling 😒 while I’m in the bedroom with my sleeping beauty, stressing my head off. I don’t know whether to cry or feel angry, my life has become my worst nightmare.
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