Michelle, a single mum of three, is on Universal Credit and struggling to manage

My children are one, six and thirteen.

I am on Universal Credit. I have had to leave my own home to care for my mother who is very poorly with last stage COPD and so is isolating herself.

I am affected by the third child cap. I am financially supporting my mum, undertaking all the shopping for two households. I’m spending between £30 and £50 per day just to pay for the basics for us all including the costs associated with the households.

I cannot find any extra help to pay for necessities and feel that I get passed to pillar to post. I don’t know how we will manage.

How do I afford everything and provide for my children?


Our Coronavirus section has information about the extra help families may be entitled to.