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Parenting children can be difficult, even when two parents share the load.
For those moving toward becoming a single parent, these challenges are often greatly increased.
While unique joys abound, single-parent families often face additional financial stress.
Conveniently, there is plenty of support available, even though tracking it down can sometimes prove difficult.
Rebecca Routledge, head of content at Money Wellness, explains that, as well as the standard government benefits, “there are all these little things that aren’t as well known, that you might not have heard of, that you might be entitled to.”
Here’s how you can strengthen your financial position as a single caregiver…
Benefits are the best place to start
Before you head straight to Gov.uk, enter your details into a comprehensive online benefits calculator. Money Wellness has one, as does financial aid charity Turn2Use. “It can be quite difficult to navigate the benefits system and actually work out what you are entitled to,” Rutledge says. “If you enter all your details, the calculator will tell you everything you may be entitled to.” he could be universal credit, Child benefit, free to take care of children Legal aid for working parents or more specific benefits, such as social fees or paying court costs.
With child benefit payments, only one parent can claim it, even if Childcare Divided equally, so you’ll need to nominate a parent to claim it. But you can claim it for each child under the age of 16 or under the age of 20 if they are in full-time education.
“If there are no other adults in your household, you should probably get a single person reduction on your council tax – usually a 25 per cent discount, and you may even get a larger reduction depending on your income,” says Rutledge. “For some single parents, if you’re widowed, there’s something called Widowed Parent Allowance.” Certain eligibility criteria are required.
some people on universal credit Or those on a low income may also be able to access the social tariff. “You might get a lower rate on your broadband and phone or your water bill,” Rutledge explains. “It’s very cheap and it’s not an inferior service.” Similarly, a “benefits calculator will tell you if you can get any help from your energy company”.
“If single parents are really struggling with the essentials, all councils have a pot of money called the Home Support Fund,” says Routledge. “This is to help people with a higher cost of living.”
She says to check whether your child is also entitled to free school meals. “Do this through your local council,” or check with the school. “If you’re eligible for free school meals, your child also gets free school trips and things like that.”
Community and charity grants
Depending on where you live and your situation, there may be local grants to apply for. “If your child has a long-term health condition, there may be grants available from charities that support people with particular health conditions,” says Rutledge, who recommends checking out Turn2U, which has a grant search on its website. “You can put in your details, your situation, and it will see if you are matched to a grant.”
child maintenance
The main consideration after separating from the person you have children with is to decide who will pay for what moving forward. “That’s the main thing,” says Rutledge, “to make sure that, if possible, you and the other parent are doing your fair share. It’s not always easy. I appreciate that. The best way you can come to an amicable agreement.”
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Gov.uk has a child maintenance calculator that can help you work out a fair system. “If not, a child maintenance service will do it for you,” says Rutledge. “It’s the responsibility of both parents to support that child, so you should make sure the other parent is also contributing where you can.” Child support stops on or after August 31, your child’s 16th birthday, or when your child turns 20, as long as they remain in approved education or training.
debt relief
Whether you’re single or not, debt can become a problem. “If you’re feeling like you’re using credit to pay for things you don’t need, it’s probably time to talk to a debt professional,” warns Rutledge.
They may be able to negotiate with lenders to reduce repayments, or “Many single parents will qualify for a debt relief order simply because they have a lower income and have less disposable income after meeting all the essentials,” says Rutledge. “With a debt relief order, your debts are frozen for a year, so no matter you make any payments on them, any creditors stop pursuing you for those debts. If your financial situation does not improve during those 12 months, those debts are forgiven and you get a fresh financial start.”
Don’t hesitate to ask for help
“Talk to someone,” says Rutledge. “Just because you’re parenting alone doesn’t mean you’re completely alone. ,People They may have to struggle for months, if not years, before they reach it.”
organizations like citizens advice And single parent family charities exist to help beyond the gingerbread financial.