The current credit crunch and recession that is affecting the world is hard enough when there are two parents working and bringing in an income. But what about all of the single parents out there? The cost of living is consistently rising, making it harder to raise a child on one income alone. It is projected that within the next three years, single parents with children as young as age seven could be facing having to take on an additional job to make ends meet or seek debt  help. For now, single parents can claim income support for a child up to the age of twelve, but starting in 2010, that age will be dropped to seven, and that could leave many single parents in financial trouble.

Based on financial data that has been collected by numerous agencies, it currently costs over £180,000 to raise one child from birth to age 21. With the cost of living rising every day, many single parents are trying to determine how they are going to cope without the extra income support afforded by the government. According to Kate Green, the Chief Executive of the Child Poverty Action Group, "Taking money away from families who are already poor will simply increase poverty, and many children will have their health and well-being put at risk."

So what can single parents do to help get through this trying time as best they can? Here are a few tips that can help.

1. Check and make sure you are claiming all of the governmental benefits you can possibly qualify for. Based on estimates released by the government, over £8 billion pounds in tax credits and benefits are not claimed each year. Some of the benefits you may be able to claim include income support and child benefits. Income support - which is based on whether or not you are working - is available for anyone between the ages of 16 and 59 who is living on a low income and either works less than 16 hours a week or is unemployed. Child benefits are paid by the government, and if you have a child that is under the of 16, 17 and younger who has registered to work or train with the Careers or Connexions Service, or under 19 and a full time student, you should be eligible. Even if you have a child in college, they could qualify for the Education Maintenance Allowance and get an additional £30 per week.

2. Sit down and plan out a realistic budget for your household that meets all of your current financial obligations and leaves you a little extra money to save for birthdays and holidays. This is the best way to see and control your outgoing money as compared to what is coming in on a regular basis and keep you from going without.

3. Consider switching your utility suppliers in order to save money and get the most out of the services you are paying for. Don't forget to include things like your satellite or cable television service and your telephone lines - mobile included.

4. Avoid getting any further in debt by resisting the temptation to use your credit or store cards or taking out a personal loan to pay your current debts. This only compounds the problem. If you must use your credit cards, make sure you pay off the balance you charged on it the next month to avoid interest accruing.

5. Finally, do not be afraid to ask for debt advice and enter into a debt management plan that can help you get back on your feet. They will help you get your finances in order so that you are able to pay your mortgage and car hire purchase agreement.