Can someone advise if can claim anything?

Confused?_7

My first time posting something so please stick with me!

I would be very grateful if anyone can help me.

My partner and I both work (I am part time). I am presently on mat leave but am due to return VERY soon:eek:.

I have two young children and my Mum helped looked after our first Daughter whilst we worked but is now unable to look after both kids.

My oldest Daughter attends Nursery part time which we don't get any help towards (both incomes 08/09 approx £34000) which we got by with but I don't want to put my baby into Nursery so young, personal choice due to few problems with older Daughter and no point working to cover nursery fees.

It looks like I am going to have to give up work until I find something else with more suitable hours and would take my oldest out of Nursery until she gets free placement but doesn't look like we would get much more help (sole income would be approx £20000).

On checking loads of websites I am lost as to what we can and can't get, any advice appreciated.

DaisyFlower

Tax credits are based on the previous tax years income so you would qualify for basic tax credits (plus baby element whilst the baby is under 1) and CB. Your OH earns too much for WTC.

Whilst nursery fees are expensive, its upto you to weigh up if its worth paying them. Your eldest will get the free sessions the term after turning 3 and then will go onto school so there wont always be two lots of fees to pay for. It will also mean you keep your job and have current experience when applying for new roles.

If you decide to stop working, you will have to work out if your OH's wages and CTC/CB is enough to cover your outgoings.

SuziQ

Why not consider a registered childminder? I was a Health Visitor for over 20 years,and having visited many many nurseries when I had my own children I chose to use childminders as I preferred the more homely,family oriented care and was happier they didn't have a constant turnover of different people caring for them. It was also half the price of nursery and got a decent discount on the second child when I had him. The further advantage was that the minder was able to take them to mother and toddlers,playgroup and school when they started-great continuity! They are still extremly fond of her and I found it such a comfort that they were being looked after by someone who cared for them as if they were her own children in her own lovely home.

Confused?_7

Thanks for all your advice, head sore with all this and your advice has gave us more to think about but hoepfully we can come to a decision by this week.
Very grateful for your help, thanks again.

LizzieS_2

Could your mum still help out a different way, eg one grandchild one day and the other another day?

You do have the right to ask for flexible working due to having such young children - your employer can refuse but must have a valid reason. Even a temporary reduction in hours will help your situation.

Your childcare costs may still give you some tax credit help - go onto entitedto.com and play with various figures to see what actually does help.

Also look into childcare vouchers - both of you can claim these whilst working, but only if your employers operate schemes. There are NI incentives for employers to offer such schemes so even if they don't now, you may be able to talk them into starting one.