Critical here
Housing benefit for the last week is £48, when before son turned 20 it was £278 - all the rent.
£98 WTC/CT received today, wages per week £97.
If this is it, then I'll be back on income support. Mainly as I will have to hand my car back and I won't be able to leave the estate.
Trying not to panic. If the children left home, I might survive... 
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Send to friend I've used the Turn2us calculator, and really things should be ok.
Council will have the letter I've written tomorrow so I'll phone them in the afternoon. If there's no joy I'll phone citizens advice again.
Sorry to moan.
sparklinglime, no apologies please. The calculations that you were sent (above) are enough to send anyone over the edge, who is trying to raise 4 children single handedly.
We all understand and would feel exactly as you do. Well done for getting the letter off to the council. Hopefully you will nice a chunk of backpayments?
I do hope so.
I've been to busy to phone them today, but will be home after lunch time tomorrow, so will ring them
WTC and CTC have arrived, and although I've only had a quick look, it seems ok. Trying to persuade two children to start having a lunch box is a challenge at the mo. That is getting expensive.
I know I can approach my friends, if necessary, but them giving me a job is kind enough really.
But yes, it is sending me over the edge. My youngest is driving me rather mad as well, showing me what he wants for his birthday
I have had a phone call today from the Council. Arrears will be paid.
Thank you everyone.
**PHEW**
Thinking of you Sparkling! Sorry I missed so much and couldn't be supportive! Sending you tons of support in retrospect.... x
Phew indeed sparklinlime, glad to hear it, you really don't need this kind of worry. I hope that that news has helped you sleep better.
Glad to hear this is now sorted sparkling, i would have been having kittens 
xxxxxxxx
I'm afraid I was having mega tantrums Sally W!
Thank you all.
I must send out thank you letters to MP and CAB. Funny how you need to have them involved for any action to be taken.
They had son classed as a high earner earning £999.99 per week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can laugh now.
Gosh how ridiculous, its lucky that you are proactive sparkling ;)
With help and encouragment from all of you here.
xx
They had your son as earning a thousand pounds a week!!!!??? good heavens,
So, do you mind me asking what the bottom line is now....how much will you have to pay towards the rent and Council Tax?
I am so relieved you have had some good news 
They're still working that out Louise, as they've had all the information with WTC etc.
The thing I find frustrating is that I phoned them a few weeks before my son's birthday, and all they needed to do then was send out two forms... At least I now know this for the coming year.
Words fail me!! 
And now a letter dated 13th to say I've been overpaid almost £300 in housing benefit since 2010...
More phone calls I think.
Keep at it, sparkling, don't let them grind you down.
Hi sparklinglime, that does sound worrying. Have you been in touch with our Money Expert, to ensure that you are getting all that you should? It is really surprising that the money has been cut so much when you still have 3 other children.
You could use Turn2us Benefits Calculator to make your own calculations and see what results you get.
Is your eldest now working full time sparkling?