Single Dad - what can i claim

martyw

Hi,

Me and my partner are about to split up and she is due our fist baby in June. If i have full time custody of the baby (which is what i will be fighting for) what benifits can i claim.

I am in full time work earning around £1400 per month after tax, I will be keeping the house as i put all the money into it in the first place the mortgage is £703 per month so after all the other bills i am only left with around £100 a month.

I am thinking of a second job depending on how that will affect the benifits i am allowded to claim

So what can i claim please, i will also need to put the baby into nursery too which will cost arond £600 a month

please help

Posted on: March 21, 2013 - 1:19pm

Louise

Parenting specialist

Hello martyw

Welcome along. I am sorry to hear that you are splitting up from your partner. It would be better if you could agree on how to share the parenting time between you. It sounds from the way you say "fighting for", as if you do not think the baby's mum will be happy with what you suggest. It is quite unusual for a dad to be the full time parent, even these days, unless mum is agreeable or if there are risk factors involved such as drugs or violence, but your solicitor will adivse you about that.

We have a benefits expert on the boards and you can get individual advice by clicking here and filling in the email form

Posted on: March 21, 2013 - 2:13pm

martyw

She has agreed for me to be the main carerer, i am keeping the house and have all the stuff set up for th e baby so makes sense. I have filled out the form so lets see what they say

thanks for the reply

Posted on: March 21, 2013 - 2:22pm

Anna

Parenting specialist

Hi martyw, when will the arrangement for you to be the main carer take place? Will your partner move out?

It is very important for a baby to have strong attachment to both mother and father if possible for the first 3 years of a babies life. It can affect their wellbeing and positive sense of self.

I am wondering that as you are considering taking on a second job to cover expenses whether you would share care with your partner, so that the baby gets the best of both worlds rather than be in a nursery where there is neither parent?

Posted on: March 21, 2013 - 5:33pm