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HI I'am new to Onespace. I'am a single parent with a 17 almost 18 year old son. Is there anybody out there who is a single parent who has a young adult/s living with them who are at University. My Son wants to go to Uni. How do you cope financially? Are you in work yourselves? I really need some advice on how it all works! I would appreciate your help.
Hi, I disagree to an extent with Louise. I really resent that my oldest now has huge debts because of his student loan, and I am a firm believer that (at least for the first three years) university education should be free. Having said that, I agree at the same time that they should be able to work part time for food & accommodation.
My son lived away from home (albeit very close) and coped very well with a part-time job while studying, but then his studies involved a lot of coursework which was self managed and not so many lectures.
Unfortunately, I cannot really advise on the finance situation as I was studying myself for part of the time and my situation was complicated.
Thank you for your advice. It was helpful. I appreciate it. I agree that Students should not have to pay for their University Education. I couldn't believe it when the government brought this in.
Ah but they do have to pay. I would prefer it was free too but as it isn't, I guess I was just trying to say the best way round things.
Yeah thank you. I was refering to the second comment from Hopeful when I wrote that, but thanks for your help. Did you have a job when your son was in Uni? Im in JSA at the moment and finding it very hard to get a job. I live in an area that has the 3rd worst unemployment rate in the country. If I can get a job now I will still get benefits for D i.e. child benefit, working tax credit, etc. I can get some of my rent paid. When he starts University I cannot get anything for him as he is classed as an adult on an advanced course. So I will be responsible for all the rent and council tax. Will I have to work long hours and have a highly paid job? I am finding it so hard to get a job. I cant relocate because of D's college course and his future University course at Staffs. I hope you are able to advise further.
You will not get child benefit or housing benefit for him (and he won't be able to claim housing benefit either). Tax credits I am not sure about. You are responsible for the rent and council tax, although there will probably be a council tax reduction (this has recently changed from government tax credit to council responsibility). Some universities have a hardship grant for students who really struggle.
Hi Kirsty ST1, I know you are worried however whatever happens you will survive 
You can use the Benefits Calculator to see if you would be entitled to any benefits after D has moved out.
You might also like to contact our Money Expert for confidential email advice.
Hello KirstyST1
Welcome along
The first thing to say is that some Universities offer extra help to lower income families/single parents so it is worth contacting their Finance Department once your son has chosen a University.
Even if they don't it is perfectly possible for him to cope with a student loan and a part-time job. My personal opinion is that the student should therefore be self-funding. The student gets a loan for their fees and basic living expenses and there will be a small grant too, based on their income and the income of the person who is "sponsoring" them, ie you. You have to complete an online form about your own income for this to be assessed.
My son has recently graduated, he lived away from home and had student finance (no extra help) and he worked part-time throughout. I think this is a good opportunity for them to realise that a Uni education is a privilege and they need to work for what they want. Of course he had some fellow-students whose parents were able to shell out loads of money (one just ran up huge phone bills and Daddy always paid and another actually had a HOUSE bought for them!) but my son says although it was hard it has taught him so many life lessons and he is really appreciative of how I encouraged him to stand on his own feet. It also meant that on the odd occasion I slipped him twenty quid, he thought it was fantastic.
It sounds as if you think your son would be living at home and this would be even easier moneywise as he will not have official "rent" to pay. if you look at your income and think "I can't afford to keep him once my Working Tax and Child Tax/Child Benefit are gone" then add up how much this is, explain to your son with this information and that you expect a contribution towards the food and bills. iot might feel weird the firs time you do this but it is quite fair and reasonable.
Have a look at this page (click) for more information