Single Mum Struggling with Debt? Pause Pressure, Then Plan Properly

As a single mother, costs like childcare, food and travel can make budgets tight. We help you: (1) enter Breathing Space to pause interest, charges and most enforcement on qualifying debts; (2) set a realistic plan across all creditors — often a DMP, an IVA or a DRO if eligible. We’ll build a defendable budget that safeguards essentials first.

Open all letters and keep copies. If you receive a “Letter of Claim” or court forms, respond within the deadline and contact us the same day.

Quick Access

Trusted Stats at a Glance

• UK guidance recognises that single-parent households face higher risks of financial difficulty.
• Breathing Space pauses interest/charges and most enforcement on qualifying debts for up to 60 days in England & Wales.
• DRO fee was removed in April 2024, improving access for eligible low-income cases.

We link to credible sources in the footer (GOV.UK, MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice, National Debtline).

Breathing Space — Pause Interest, Charges & Most Enforcement

Why single mums use it

• Up to 60 days protection on qualifying debts while we set a plan
• Mental Health Crisis route covers the treatment period plus 30 days
• Helps you choose calmly without daily pressure

It’s not a payment holiday — affordable payments continue where possible. We’ll prepare paperwork creditors accept.

Debt Affordability Calculator (Single Mums)

Enter your total unsecured debt to get a quick steer. We’ll refine it with statements so your budget is defendable and realistic.

Next: consider Breathing Space so interest and most enforcement are paused while you choose.

IVA Write-Off Estimator — Paying £70/Month

If you qualify for an IVA, you make one affordable payment for a fixed term. Estimate potential write-off at £70/month.

Priority Bills First — Council Tax, Energy, Rent/Mortgage

We protect essentials first: home, heat, lights, water and children’s needs. That reduces risk and makes creditors more likely to accept your plan. Then we divide a fair, consistent payment across unsecured debts.

Council tax arrears (single parent)

• Contact your council early; they can escalate quickly.
• Ask for repayment based on your verified budget.
• We’ll integrate arrears into your overall plan where appropriate.

Childcare Costs — Make Your Budget Defendable

Reasonable childcare should be included before calculating offers to creditors. We’ll help you evidence real costs (hours, provider invoices, travel) so your plan is sustainable and accepted.

If childcare changes (school holiday clubs, new hours), update us — the plan can be adjusted to stay realistic.

Benefits, Grants & School-Cost Help — Don’t Miss Out

We’ll help you check Universal Credit elements, energy hardship funds, school meal/uniform schemes, and local support that can boost your budget and change which solution fits best.

• Child/childcare elements — check your entitlements
• Energy supplier grants and trust funds
• Local welfare support and charity help for essentials

Credit Cards & Overdrafts — Reduce Fees, One Payment

A direct arrangement can help short-term, but a DMP consolidates multiple debts into one affordable payment. Many lenders freeze or reduce interest when your budget is realistic and verified (not guaranteed).

What creditors need to see

• Priority bills funded first, including childcare
• Consistent, fair offers across all creditors
• Clear evidence (statements, bills) and ongoing communication

Loans & Buy Now, Pay Later — Bring Them Into the Plan

BNPL and personal loans often snowball. We’ll consolidate them into your plan (DMP) or consider a formal route (IVA/DRO) where appropriate so payments match what you can safely afford.

Single Mum Debt Help “Near Me” — Local & Remote Options

We can connect you with local support and manage the setup remotely to save time around school runs, work and childcare. Phone/video works well for many single mums.

FAQs — Single Mums & Debt

Will debt solutions affect my benefits?

Debt solutions aren’t the same as income benefits. We’ll make sure your budget reflects the correct benefit amounts and essential costs; we’ll also discuss credit file impacts.

Can I keep my bank account?

You’ll usually need a basic account (with no overdraft) separate from creditors in your plan. We’ll explain safe banking steps.

How fast can pressure ease?

When protections apply (e.g., Breathing Space), most new enforcement is paused. We notify creditors and agree next steps quickly.

I’m in Scotland — is it different?

Yes (moratorium, Trust Deeds, DAS). Share your postcode and we’ll signpost you correctly.

Single Mum? Get Protected & Move to a Manageable Plan

We’ll help you access Breathing Space, build a defendable budget (including childcare), and set up the right route. Essentials first, creditors in writing, clear milestones to the finish line.