Distressing Development

Oh, and I've just thought, Gingerbread are still around, and I believe they have a phone helpline too.

Could I ask roughly what area your daughter lives in, knickas?
Only because there is an excellent organisation which would be able to help with every aspect of her situation.
They have taken over from the citizens advice here, and are very knowledgeable.

Thank you all. They are not claiming at the moment, as despite declaring everything, after 4 months they were told they earn too much and now need to refund £2000. They really don't earn a lot! House is rented. He hasn't moved out yet, but is going to. She is really stressed at going through the whole claim process again. There is no comeback on the Universal Credit Team when they make mistakes. She cannot afford to pay back £2000. It would have been very difficult when they were together, impossible now. We want to make sure he pays towards his daughter, and sees her properly, as she adores her daddy. I am heartbroken for her, and she is so sad. I will get her to contact Citizens Advice. Is there any form of Ombudsman for Universal Credit?

Go on the benefits site , you can put your details in and see how much you are entitled to. Of course the manchild has to pay but getting it is another matter. Go careful about what you say though as they could get back together.

Tell your daughter to go to her local Citizens Advice (Bureau has been dropped from the name now) they will be able to
1) do a benefit check to see what she should get as a single claimant
2) assist with appealing any overpayment of Universal Credit if there are grounds to do this (she must not delay there are time limits for this)
3) advise her with applications to the child maintenance service
4) potentially provide a list of solicitors local to her who can give a free half hour appointment (some do this)
Also tell her to look on adviceguide the Citizens Advice web site there is loads of info there on separation, maintenance , benefits and much more!
Look also at an excellent website called Advice now and for your own benefit check Turn2us

Her first step is the Citizens advice or if her local housing ( or HA) has a benefit advice office perhaps go there. She needs to get expert advice. Is her house rented?
Contact the DWP and explain the situation, if they are on a joint claim it needs to be separated as soon as she can.
Next see if a local solicitor will give her a half hour appointment free of charge re the child.
If they have a joint bank account contact the bank asap.
Sending my best wishes to her and you.

Perhaps a visit to the Citizens Advice Bureau?

Thank you.

I know nothing about benefits but have a friend who was in a similar situation and the ManChild in her case has to pay £5 a week for their daughter. He's moved on and has two more children although he is skint and she has to work and claim whatever she can as he feels no responsibility for his daughter. Your Daughter needs professional advise regarding benefits have a look here and hope it helps www.entitledto.co.uk/?e2dwp=y