Last Updated on Monday, May 5, 2025 by Lavania Oluban
One of the scariest parts of becoming a single parent is the moment it hits you that it’s all on you. The rent, the bills, the childcare, the food shop. When you’re suddenly the only adult in the house, everything feels like a cost and the pressure can be overwhelming.
But there are things you can do to take back control. Whether you’re newly separated or just trying to get your finances in a better place, this is a guide to what kind of help might be available, how to start looking into it, and the small shifts that can make a big difference.
Start with a realistic picture
Before you apply for anything, the most important step is to sit down and work out what’s actually essential. That includes things like rent, council tax, energy bills and basic groceries. Once you know what you really need to cover, you can start cutting the non-essentials.
This is where it helps to be ruthless. If it doesn’t serve you, ditch it. Cancel that expensive TV package. Switch to a smaller car. Get rid of anything that you’re only still paying for out of habit. When you’re a single adult, you’re no longer planning around anyone else’s appetite or spending habits. You’re free to keep it simple, and sometimes that’s the best thing.
Know what you’re entitled to
It’s always worth checking your eligibility for support, even if you assume you might not qualify. There’s no harm in using online calculators or asking someone for advice. If you’re working, start by looking into:
- Child Benefit
- Universal Credit
- Tax-Free Childcare
- Single Person Council Tax Discount
It can feel confusing at first, but help is out there, even if it’s just for peace of mind. Universal Credit combines things like rent support, work allowance and childcare into one monthly payment. It might not apply to everyone, but it’s worth exploring.
If you’re not sure where to begin, speak to Citizens Advice or use the “Entitled To” calculator online. Many schools can also offer support with applying for free school meals or childcare assistance, and if you’re employed, you might have access to financial wellbeing services through your workplace.
Don’t accept the bare minimum
When it comes to child maintenance, make sure you know what your child is entitled to based on the other parent’s earnings. You don’t have to fight about it or get legal but it should be fair and consistent. If you’re on good terms, agree to follow the calculator amount and keep things simple. If not, there are formal routes where the payment can be taken directly from wages, although a small fee is deducted in those cases.
This isn’t about being awkward or bitter. It’s about your child’s stability and making sure the cost of parenting isn’t falling on one person alone.
Be smart with your time
Not every solution is about cutting costs. Sometimes it’s about how you use your time. If you have set days when your child is with their other parent, consider working more hours or picking up extra shifts then. One less day of childcare could mean working one extra day during your free time. Being strategic with your routine can make a real difference without burning yourself out.
You can also make sensible swaps, like choosing to work from home where possible, or picking up freelance work, evening shifts or local part-time roles that flex around school hours. The key is to build a life that works around your responsibilities, not in conflict with them.
Small changes matter more than you think
You don’t need to live like a hermit or deny yourself joy. But being a single parent means you get to prioritise what matters to you. You’re not buying drinks for date nights or stocking up on food for someone who wants steak five nights a week. You can plan smaller meals, use less water and energy, and simplify your lifestyle without giving anything up.
You can still treat yourself, just differently. Buy flowers at the supermarket, run a bath with candles, cook your favourite comfort food, or curl up with a film that no one else gets to veto. You’ve got half the laundry, fewer arguments, and full control of your own space.
What might feel like sacrifice at first often becomes a source of pride. You start noticing how much more peaceful life is without the financial drain of someone who wasn’t pulling their weight. You quickly learn that being smart with money doesn’t mean missing out – it means taking care of yourself and your child in a way that actually feels good.
You might not get everything sorted overnight, but there’s support out there. Start small, ask questions and take back control where you can. Single parenting isn’t easy, but managing money doesn’t have to feel impossible.
