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Offered work but childcare too much - what are my options, if any?

I need some advice.I've been offered 4 hours work. I'd like to take it but childcare costs are nearly as much as I'm getting paid, is there any other options available to me other than to turn the work down?

Comments

  • shell_542
    shell_542 Posts: 1,333 Forumite
    csa wrote: »
    I need some advice.I've been offered 4 hours work. I'd like to take it but childcare costs are nearly as much as I'm getting paid, is there any other options available to me other than to turn the work down?

    Try and see if you can increase it to 16, so you would get Working Tax Credit and help towards your childcare costs?(depending on your personal circumstances of course)

    Try to find cheaper/free childcare. Family? A friend? A child minder is cheaper than nurserys. In our area, we have an organisation who's aim is to help parents get back to work and help with childcare costs (again depending on their circumstances) Could you see if there is anything around you locally like that? A health visitor may know. Or the early years department at your local council.
    August GC 10th - 10th : £200 / £70.61
    NSD : 2/8
  • Loopy_Girl
    Loopy_Girl Posts: 4,444 Forumite
    csa wrote: »
    I need some advice.I've been offered 4 hours work. I'd like to take it but childcare costs are nearly as much as I'm getting paid, is there any other options available to me other than to turn the work down?

    Just to advise that if you are on benefits then you will only get to keep £20 of your wage. The rest would be deducted from your IS.
  • csa
    csa Posts: 58 Forumite
    The cheapest childcare I can find is £40 for 4 hours. My in-laws look after my children when I'm working already but an extra afternoon is too much for them. If I did take the work my total number of hours would be 11 and I can't get any more.

    I'm not on benefits and my husband is on 34k so I doubt I'll be entitled to get any subsidies.
  • Loopy_Girl
    Loopy_Girl Posts: 4,444 Forumite
    Make sure you are getting all you are entitled to.

    Put your details in www.entitledto.co.uk and see if there is anything you could claim that you are not.

    That's about all I can think of. Sorry
  • shell_542
    shell_542 Posts: 1,333 Forumite
    It's a pain. Childcare is so expensive :(
    August GC 10th - 10th : £200 / £70.61
    NSD : 2/8
  • codwidow
    codwidow Posts: 190 Forumite
    If your child is 3 you qualify for some hours at a local authority childcare setting, but if they are under 3 they dont get it unfortunately and its generally only in school hours. Are the hours you have been offered unsociable ?

    Hope you get sorted
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