Yes, it is indeed, a high-risk strategy, and I would like to avoid it if possible, magictime. No, housing benefit wouldn't pay if I was working, and no, I wouldn't get working tax credits as the non-resident dad. Catch 22. If I was aboard, I could work legally and earn pretty well, but to get there, the process is straight out of Kafka.
Friends with boats, yep. I plan to find some in my area. I'm determined and will get there. Thanks for the welcome.
Mick.
GrayLady, I hear ya.