Single parent entitlements + starting new job?

Hi I just have a quick question. I am a single mother of a 6 month old. I was living with my boyfriend up to about two months ago but it wasnt a good situation and I am relieved it is over. At the moment I am sleeping on a mattress on the floor of the living room in my parents house. But I have to leave soon because there are 5 kids at home and it is overcrowded as it is. I have been looking for a job for weeks and am delighted to have found a good job which I start in 4 weeks. I will be earning 26,000/ yr. The babys father is in full time education and he says that he doesnt have to pay any maintenance because of that. I dont have a penny to my name at the moment and I dont know what to do. If I go to work I will have to pay childcare of 830 p/m. Also I have been looking for an apt and the cheapest seems to be around 900 for where I live. These 2 expenses alone will take my entire pay cheque without even thinking about buying food or paying any other bills! I really am stuck in a hole but I am trying my best to claw myself out! I am wondering if I am entitled to any state benefits when I start full-time employment such as rent allowance or one parent family or will I be earning too much? Also is it true that the father doesnt have to pay anything as a full time student?

Thanks for your help.

You should apply for One-parent Family Payment (OPFP) immediately. It will be payable from three months from time of split. Depending on your earnings, you will be able to work and still receive some OPFP. If the father is not earning or in receipt of SW, mopre than likley he will be liable to pay maintencance but you should seek same anyway.