possible job.. what about the kids cont.. the plot thickens!!!!

Snaggles

I think it depends on how much you pay for childcare - we pay very little for childcare, and we don't qualify for the working tax credit element, so we get next to nothing....I'm really hoping I might get slightly more with a second child on the way, but I'm banking on getting nothing, then if I do get anything I can do what you have done immoral & use it for debt repayment.

Spendless

Snaggles wrote:

I know, tell me about it, it's never worked that way for us either, but it does say £58k on their website I think....

You get child tax credit for a salary upto around £58K, but whether you get help with childcare depends on how much you pay in childcare and also your income (you also both have to work at least 16 hours if a couple). If you put your income in with and without childcare costs on the entitledto site, if there is a difference in the 2 figures that is how much you will receive towards childcare. If you don't receive help or not much help look into childcare vouchers instead if your employer/s offer them.

Snaggles

Yes, my employers do offer the childcare vouchers, but my childcare needs have been up and down a lot over the last couple of years, so I never bothered with them. I'll be working fixed hours when I go back after my maternity leave this time though, and the baby will be in creche one day a week (possibly more), so I will definitely look into them, thanks.

Toomuchdebt

Be careful when working out the figures-I went back to work in October but I have found I am actually only £60 a month better off (for 70 hours work)rather than the £150 we worked out-mainly because of my housing benefit and losing free school meals etc.Although my tax credits increased,everything else went down.Of course if you don't get Housing Benefit anyway it won't affect you

lynzpower

One thing to add to the pot of confusion from me, is that jobcentre plus ALSO give cash for free CC sessions to get back to work - do you get any benefits? or it your income made of tax credits?

In any case, if you dont get the job, or its not financially viable via tax credits, I agree childminding is a brilliant proposition, as is evening babysitting. Another thing is respite work for children with disabilities, ie, giving thier parents a "day off" sometimes they are overnight, but theres usually work for regular "odd days" its equivalent to being like an auntie or uncle, eg, you can take the child on sundays, do fun stuff, and return child home to parents at the end of the day. Ask your local social services fostering team. They are sometimes called respite carers, or weekend carers, and it pays quite well. Otherwise care work in evenings, is a good idea too- much better than standing in a smoky bar pulling pints

itsarichmansworld

lynzpower wrote:

Ask your local social services fostering team. They are sometimes called respite carers, or weekend carers, and it pays quite well. Otherwise care work in evenings, is a good idea too- much better than standing in a smoky bar pulling pints

Only do this if you are 100% commited to making the childs life better as a kid who grew up in care I could tell the people who only done it for the money and it can hurt.

beanielou

Great news IA!
Why dont you also still go to the info day on childminding just to see how the land lies?