David HiltonA widowed father of five children has said there is now a “light at the end of the tunnel” after the two-child benefit cap was scrapped in Wednesday’s Budget.
David Hilton, 45, from Salford, said he was forced to rely on benefits after his 34-year-old partner died suddenly in March – leaving him as a single parent to five children, the youngest of whom was just six weeks old.
Mr Hilton can only claim universal credit or tax credits for his first two children under the current cap, which will be scrapped from next year.
“Sometimes I don’t eat so my kids can eat,” he said. “I am in a bad situation but there is light at the end of the tunnel now.”
Mr Hilton told Radio Manchester that although the lifting of the benefit cap would not help him instantly, he hoped it would improve matters when it comes into effect next April.
“Hopefully, it will start getting brighter and I hope it does for the kids’ sake,” Mr Hilton said. “They need some happiness in their lives.”
Mr Hilton said he was struggling to deal with not only grieving for his late wife but also the sudden financial uncertainty.
“I get £24 a month for the baby’s milk and it’s costing me £25 a week,” he said.
“That’s before getting wipes and nappies and things like that.
“It’s very hard and difficult. The price of food has gone so high.
‘Want to work’
“My son is five years old and is still in a cot bed, I need him to grow up as a kid and not in poverty sleeping in a cot bed because I can’t afford to buy him a bed,” he said.
But Mr Hilton, who is a labourer and decorator by trade, said the scrapping of the cap could allow him the freedom to work again and provide for his family.
“I want to get back into work – and this might mean I can go back because I would be able to afford childcare.”
Mr Hilton said his children were his priority and he just needed some help to “take the weight off his shoulders”.
He added: “I wasn’t in this situation eight months ago, I was dropped into it.
“In situations like this, the government should help you, not you be on your knees grovelling and begging for help.
“I am a proud man but I have to ask for help, because it’s for my kids.
“I’m just doing what any dad should do – I’m a dad with five kids and they are my priority.”