Oh hun, I think your spirit is admirable, but I'm thinking you should take care of yourself and your kids first. If he can prove that he has enrolled in a course, sorted out the finances as to what he could bring to your household or gotten a job, plus sat down with you and outlined what he'd be willing to do around the house (with your agreement), then I'd say you should welcome him in. Until then, I wouldn't think it's a good idea to give yourself another problem!

Tell him that you need him to demonstrate the above and then he'd be welcome. Once you know what his financial situation could be, then you could go to C/Link. If he lives with you and gives you money towards rent or as a boarder I think you might have to adjust what you tell C/Link you're paying (ie in rent). Can't see how else it would affect your payments. He's not your partner.

As for your Mum --- . Who exactly gave birth to him and raised him here?? Her timing on that comment is exquisite, given she knows how hard things are for you atm.