Some advice pls re Income Support

kelbag_2

Hi,

I'm after some advice if possible.

The council have decided to close all council run nurseries, before/after school care and holiday care due to government cuts and there's no alternative providers that can take my kids to school and have them in the holidays, well there's one but there's 16 parents fighting for 2 places so there's no chance of that.

Work have already said I can't drop down to term-time only so it's looking like unless some miracle turns up I'm going to have to quit work which I'm devastated about as I love my job

I'm on my own and my kids are 2,4 and 7.

Does anyone know if I can claim under these circumstances and how long I'd have to wait for any money?

I've never claimed anything before so haven't a clue what I'm entitled to or what to do, I've worked for 20 years ever since leaving school and have never been out of work before.

Can anyone help?

DX2

Yes you can claim IS due to your circumstances.
If you go ahead with this idea you would be eligible to claim IS (income support)
Child tax credits (make sure you stop your working tax credit claim and inform them of the change in circumstances)
Child support (from the father)
Housing benefit/ council tax benefit.

kelbag_2

Thanks DX2, I already get child support from the kids dad but I doubt I'll get HB as I've got a mortgage on the house.

I was looking at selling but it's worth less than the mortgage cos of repairs that need doing that I can't afford. Do they offer interest relief anymore? I remember years ago my mum got it when she was made redundant the last time the Tories were in

DX2

kelbag wrote: »

Thanks DX2, I already get child support from the kids dad but I doubt I'll get HB as I've got a mortgage on the house.

I was looking at selling but it's worth less than the mortgage cos of repairs that need doing that I can't afford. Do they offer interest relief anymore? I remember years ago my mum got it when she was made redundant the last time the Tories were in

Yeah SMI is in place for people who own their own house.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/On_a_low_income/DG_180321

Macro_3

Would a childminder be an option?

kelbag_2

Macro wrote: »

Would a childminder be an option?

I've already looked at this option, according to Family Information Services there are two who drop off at my children's school. One of whom I used ten years ago for my eldest who's 15 now and frankly I wouldn't trust her with a dog never mind a child.

She allowed her eldest son to put on a horror film while my then 5 year old daughter was sat in the room.

I found out after 2 weeks of nightmares from my little un when she finally described the film and what she'd seen.
I still can't get over the fact she's still listed especially after the complaint I made.

The other lady has 2 places free and I need 3 unfortunately. Plus there's 16 other parents in the same boat and I know she has 5 people on her list who she's waiting to confirm if they want them or not

It's a shame but because the council provision was so good, no-one else really does it.

I'm hoping the school might step in as they already do a breakfast club and I can try and get the toddler into a nursery near work (super expensive).

Thanks for your help

ClaireLR

I don't know much about benefits but was wondering if you could you retrain as a childminder yourself, it sounds like there would be enough people needing childcare

kelbag_2

ClaireLR wrote: »

I don't know much about benefits but was wondering if you could you retrain as a childminder yourself, it sounds like there would be enough people needing childcare

It's a good idea but tbh I go to work for a break from my monsters lol

I'm ok with my own kids and love them to bits but I couldn't cope with other peoples kids.

I only have to look at my neighbours baby and it cries :rotfl:

ClaireLR

kelbag wrote: »

It's a good idea but tbh I go to work for a break from my monsters lol

I'm ok with my own kids and love them to bits but I couldn't cope with other peoples kids.

I only have to look at my neighbours baby and it cries :rotfl:

Sounds familiar, I'm the same with kids. Just a thought

DX2

kelbag wrote: »

It's a good idea but tbh I go to work for a break from my monsters lol

I'm ok with my own kids and love them to bits but I couldn't cope with other peoples kids.

I only have to look at my neighbours baby and it cries :rotfl:

Ha! So there are more people than I thought who are the same as me.

nannytone_2

i'm not keen on other peoples kids either lol
my own adult kids are just about tolerable lol
i adore my grandbabies tho......i only have them for a week at a time lol