Single Dad, 2 kids, what help can I get to survive please?

Question

Can anyone help me please, UK only though.

I'm soon to be a single Dad of 2 boys (9 and 14)

I live in my own mortgaged house with some equity.

What benefit help can I get?

Can my house be repossessed if I dont pay the mortgage due to my situation, I've heard a 3 year no touch rule??

If anyone else is in a similar position, maybe you could suggest my best avenue to seek help?

I'm not working, had to give up self employment to care for my partner, and now have the boys to support.

Will I be forced to seek employment so soon or can I do p/time so get better monies maybe?

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

One Parent Families / Gingerbread can give advice

http://www.gingerbread.org.uk/

good luck

Answer 2

You will be entitled to tax credit and council tax benefit.  I think you might be able to get Income Support but know the rules changed recently - but apply for it anyway.  You will be called to see a lone parent advisor which is a pain but they do give a lot of good advice.  They can help you claim what you are entitled to.

After 6 months you get help with the interest payments of your mortgage.    If you were caring for your partner, did you get Carers Allowance.  If so, there is a carry on for that but only about a month or 6 weeks.

Answer 3

HI there.

I am a single mum with 2 kids, so know what position you are in.

If i was you, i would make an appt with the local job centre, as they ARE there to help you.

maybe this dite will help:

www.jobcentreplus.co.uk (if the link doesnt work, just type it in your search engine!).

Hope this helps!

Answer 4

Have you tried tax credits? If you have children and are working 16 hours or more you may qualify for them. There is a calculator on the HMRC website to look at any entitlement.

Answer 5

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/protect... This will help you work out what benefits you can get, and the site also has lots of brilliant information on how to cut down household bills and council tax etc.

Also, as it sounds like your partner has died, you might like to know about a charity called Winston's Wish which helps bereaved children. http://www.winstonswish.org.uk/

Answer 6

Hi,

First off dont panic. You are soon to be in an obviously difficult situation and that will be recognised by the relevant people. The first and best move you should make is to get in touch with your citizens advice beureau and make and  appointment. Their advisors are fantastic. They are all highly trained and are very familiar with the benefits system they also aheva alot of clout with banks ets. They will even call up the relevent people on your behalf. They also have way more barganing power than they have been given credit for. So dont be hasty other than to call citizens advice first thing tomorrow.

You will be fine....good luck x*x