Financial worries

so me and my partner are going through a rough spot, and i’m not sure we’re gonna get past this. in the last few months he’s shown no interest in helping with our 6 month old (unless i practically beg), he doesn’t do anything around the house, and he’s terrible with his money. just straight up irresponsible. i’ve told him numerous times i can’t go on like this and it would be easier doing it alone. my main worry, is that we privately rent. currently i cover all the bills, and he pays the rent, but im worried that i wouldn’t be able to stay here if we split as i couldn’t afford it all myself. im currently on maternity pay, as well as receiving universal credit now, and im not sure what help will be available if the worst happens. i don’t want to just stay with him for the sake of keeping our home, i just need to know somehow i could do it.

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You would more than likely get a lot of help with the rent if you lived there alone, especially as you’re already entitled to universal credit. You can do a benefits calculator online that gives you an estimate of how much you’d get as a single parent x

@Amelia thank u so much! i had a friend say the same, i just needed more opinions so i could gather what would likely happen haha! i’ll do the calculator x

Are you already receiving the housing element of UC? That entitlement should go up as soon as you're separated and you report the change/rent increase on your UC account. Some councils also offer discretionary housing payments, it's a one off payment for when you're stuck financially, so this could help you with a deposit if you decided to downsize to something more affordable just you and your LO, as your entitlement to UC would decrease when you return to work. If you have friends/family that could help with childcare when you return to work this would help you to save a lot of money too. Sorry you're going through this your partner sounds like an asshole! X

@Lauren we aren’t currently receiving anything from UC for our rent no. luckily i do have family that i know could help out with childcare etc. it’s just so unfortunate as im not sure what ill do regarding work now because i did want to try and take as long off as possible x

If you are entitled to any UC you do also get 85% of childcare costs back. It’s a massive cost off you! X

Ok so if you do separate, go onto your UC account and report a change, give your address and it will ask how much you pay in rent, you'll then need to prove your rent liability with a copy of your tenancy agreement. They will pay up to whatever your local housing allowance rate is, which should be a 2 bed allowance because of your LO, you can find out how much this will be by googling it. You're very lucky to have such lovely family close by that can help with childcare. You can also speak to your local citizens advice to make sure you're getting everything you're entitled to. Hope this helps x

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