Benefits / entitlements for newborn?

Okydoky25

notanewuser wrote: »

Stopping at 1? Not having them so close together (unless they're twins!)? Breastfeeding? Elimination communication (potty training practically from birth)? Only change dirty nappies immediately? Fewer baths? Co-sleeping? BLW? Not going mad at Xmas and birthdays, especially in the first few years? Babygros till 6+ months? Secondhand/hand me down clothes, toys, books, cots etc..........

I do/did all these things. (Apart from stopping at 1) I don't claim benefits / credits and I'm a SAHM. Our income dropped £30k. We moved out of London 80m north and my husband travels a lot for work sacrificing family time but this is our choice so I can be at home. My eldest goes to nursery 8 hours a week for his benefit as well as mine which I use their CB for.

As I said I don't think the OP should expect handouts and kids don't have to cost the earth but they are far from free even when you are being careful with money. I think the OP would be better off looking for ways to save what they have than being slated. I can see its hard to work for a living and receiving no 'help' for doing so especially when you see families who do claim better off as I do with friends and family but that's their choice I guess.

I have no problem with people receiving Benefits when in need. My only argument is my DH having to do lots of overtime to obtain his higher salary only for his time to be taxed higher. I think it would be fairer if he got taxed on a 40 hour week and any hours over this were standard tax rate rather than being penalised with a 40% tax rate for working hard!

whiteg2

If i am reading the post right - I would imagine the OP is just making a point. A lot of threads on this board are about people getting the max out of the benefit system and not getting what they actually need (IMHO)

sulkisu

Have you considered staying at home with the baby (therefore no childcare bills), while your wife works as she is the higher earner. Unless your mortgage and bills are ridiculously expensive you would have £3200 a month to manage with and it would only need to be a few years until they start school.