Single parent made redundant

C

carrot top

Registered User
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Hi There,

I am a single parent of 2 lovely kids and have been working (unbroken service) for over 17 years.

I have been made redundant at the end of last year and have applied for social benefit.

Before I was made redundant, I was on decent pay in a middle management position, but struggling financially after paying all bills, childcare, transport etc. Sometimes I would feel like crying after working so bloody hard and not being able to even buy myself a cup of coffee. (Sorry - I'll drop the self pity now!)

My ex is struggling at a startup and has mental health issues so I don't have a regular allowance from him nor can he seem to apply for 'normal' jobs. We have a really good relationship for the sake of the kids and spend quite a bit of time together as a family. So I don't want to try to take him to court to gain money etc.

Anyway I don't know how I can do it all again, I worked really hard, commuted for up to 3 hrs per day, and was constantly in debt, I had to be bailed out by my parents over and over, and believe me when I say I did not have any kind of luxurious lifestyle. I rarely go out socially. I never eat out. I shop carefully and budget.

So I just don't know how to approach getting back to work. I'm not seeing jobs for higher pay and the guy from benefits told me they'd be starting to put pressure on after 3 months? Despite my lengthy work record...I simply can't afford childcare and working for less.

Anyway people have said I should apply for loan parents instead and I don't know if any of you have views on this? I'd like to be able to take the time to find a suitable role (part time maybe so that I could see my kids) though there seems to be nothing for me in my area here so far, or full-time but down the line a bit. More than anything, I need a breather after the last job!

Sorry for the rant, and I'd appreciate any advice.

Thanks

Carol
 
No real advice, it's very hard get back to work after a long stint like that and redundancy. But on the social welfare side you will be getting jobseekers benefit that you have paid prsi for over those 17 yrs at least and in my experience they do not start putting pressure on those getting JB, it more comes into play when you switch to the means tested Jobseekers Allowance. I spent the full 9 months on it and didn't hear a word from anyone, got an appointment with Fas at the time who really didn't do much either, just seemed like a process you had to go through. Suggested a course that might be useful, it was nearly 2 yrs before I heard another word about it. Was referred to a local employment agency who also discussed a relevant course and I never heard from them again. So don't worry about pressure being put on at this early stage, apply for anything suitable and keep the evidence to show them.

Call into a Citizens Info office is there is one near you and see if you are entitled to lone parents and whether or not it would be of benefit to you then you can at least make a decision based on knowledge.
 
Thanks so much Monbretia, it is good to hear from you and hopefully there won't be too much pressure. I was really surprised when the guy from the welfare office actually called me and told me that I'd have to do courses and pressure would begin in about 3 months. I do think they should take into account the length of time that you worked.

I will make an appointment with the citizens advice office near me.

Thanks again and I hope things worked/work out for you!

C
 
You normally can't make an appointment with Citizens Info, it's a walk in service, just turn up and queue. Maybe ring to see what are their quieter times or days so you won't be waiting too long but it's a bit of a lottery you never know how long the other client's queries will take.

I really doubt they will be putting pressure on after 3 months, they must be a very quiet office! There are lots of people on means tested payments who need pressuring a lot more than someone like you. The courses are usually over subscribed and as I mentioned I was waiting 2 yrs for the one I was interested in. They won't make you do random courses, they should have some relevance to your existing skills unless you actually want to go for a total career change. Don't take what they say to heart, they have a job to do and some don't do it that well while others are brilliant, just comply with any proof of job applications they ask for.
 
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