Child Maintenance & Single Mum Benefits Explained

Last updated on August 16th, 2021 at 03:52 pm

Becoming a single mum can be daunting in so many ways, least not the financial aspect! Child maintenance can be a confusing minefield you’re not sure how to navigate.

Here are some key facts explained regarding it, and all the available single mum benefits in the UK. Find out what financial support may be there to help you and your family right now…

Where Do I Start With Child Maintenance?

There’s more than one option for arranging Child Maintenance payments for your household. They are;

1. Make a private arrangement between you and your child’s parent.
   
2. Use the Child Maintenance Service – Set up a case, and they will calculate your child maintenance amount. The service can then arrange for the other parent to make their payments to you and take appropriate action if those payments aren’t made.

The Child Maintenance Service route is definitely the way to go if your relationship with the other parent is strained. Particularly if the other parent is unreliable, abusive, or non-existent in your life.

However, if things improve between you in the future you do have the option to switch to a private agreement later on. You can then manage it yourself.

Contrary to what you might think, you can’t arrange child maintenance through the courts.

How Much Is Standard?

Want to have a private agreement from the start, but you don’t know how much to ask for?

There are a couple of things you can do. Look at your monthly finances and discuss between you how much you feel you will need to make ends meet, or live comfortably for the month. Or, isolate the total costs of the child(ren) and split it 50/50. You could also use this Child Maintenance Calculator for reference.

Did you know? If the childs Father isn’t named on the birth certificate, you can still start a case with the Child Maintenance Service. They will arrange a face-to-face interview with the Father to determine the next steps. 

How Do I Know Which Benefits are Available to Me as a Single Mum?

There are easy-to-use online calculators that can help you figure out what you’re entitled to as a single parent. Whether you work or not, you can assess your eligibility for Universal Credit, tax credits and you can receive Child Benefit. Find benfit calculators here.

Did you know? You can make a claim for universal credit if you’re studying full-time and you are responsible for a child

Free childcare for ages 2+

Around the time of your childs second birthday, you might receive a letter in the post. It will be regarding a potential 15hrs of free child care.

You can expect this to be sent to you if you’re on Universal Credit. Or, if your household earnings fall in the appropriate bracket.

All you have to do is follow the advice in your letter and apply via your local council!

A child between the age of 3 and 4 can be eligible for up to 30hrs free childcare!

Am I Expected to Work In Order to Get Single Mum Benefits?

The simple answer is no, not if your child is under a certain age. If you’re the sole occupant of the house and have parental responsibility for a child under 3, you’re not expected to look for a job.

You may, however, have to attend meetings at your local jobcentre to discuss and prepare for your eventual return to work. Which should be once your youngest child turns 3.

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