Just wondered if anyone could help me with this one as neither direct.gov nor google have! I have one year left in my phd and unfortunately have just split up with my partner and now need to get my own house. I have a three year old child who will be living with me, therefore shared accomodation is not an option. My stipend is just over £1000 per month, making it almost impossible to afford rent, nursery fees and general bills. I know I won't be entitled to working tax credits. But does anyone know about tax credits as I don't understand if they take our stipend into consideration? Also, it seems that students who are lone parents are entiltled to housing benefit, however I get the impression that this might only be for undergraduate and not postgraduate students. When I was pregnant I got paid maternity leave, however, I had to stay off 3 months longer than expected as my daughter was poorly. They failed to stop my stipend payments during this period and as a result I have to do 3 months at the end with no pay. Has anyone been in a similar situation or know of anyone? Thanks in advance!