stay at home Mum

maggieann2luke

Our daughter has 3 children under 4 years old, the youngest is 7 months old. Because I am on esa from IB she obviously can't expect me to look after our grandchildren while she works. Both her partner and my husband work full time in low paid jobs, we help them out as best we can. In Jan 2014 I will move to income related esa when I will have no income so then we will be struggling. I am currently appealing the esa to get into the support group but not getting very far. I don't want sarcastic comments about only having children when you can afford them, I just would like some constructive advice as to what to do next, please.

jacques_chirac

Is it your daughter that wants help with her entitlement or you? If both, can I suggest you post each situation separately, and give details of income, rent etc.

bloolagoon

She is lucky that on a low income she will receive tax credits to pay for what can be the majority of her childcare.

seven-day-weekend

Are you asking what you are entitled, to, or what your daughter is entitled to?

Can your daughter not look for a part-time evening/weekend job if she needs to supplement her family income, then her husband can look after the children?

maggieann2luke

Our daughter is getting child tax credit but it will not pay childcare in our area. Also the nearest nursery and employment prospects are 5 miles away, she doesn't drive and there's no suitable bus service.

I have just done the benefis calculator on this site for both of us and we are entitled to absolutely nothing. I can imagine that we'll end up living in one house again. We've done it before but were classed as overcrowded, It won't solve the financial problems though because I physically can't care for the children.

jacques_chirac

maggieann2luke wrote: »

Our daughter is getting child tax credit but it will not pay childcare in our area. Also the nearest nursery and employment prospects are 5 miles away, she doesn't drive and there's no suitable bus service.

I have just done the benefis calculator on this site for both of us and we are entitled to absolutely nothing. I can imagine that we'll end up living in one house again. We've done it before but were classed as overcrowded, It won't solve the financial problems though because I physically can't care for the children.

Sounds like she needs to get a bike, or find out how other non drivers get to work.

We cannot help you with your entitlement if you do not give us any figures. CTC does not differ according to area.

seven-day-weekend

maggieann2luke wrote: »

Our daughter is getting child tax credit but it will not pay childcare in our area. Also the nearest nursery and employment prospects are 5 miles away, she doesn't drive and there's no suitable bus service.

I have just done the benefis calculator on this site for both of us and we are entitled to absolutely nothing. I can imagine that we'll end up living in one house again. We've done it before but were classed as overcrowded, It won't solve the financial problems though because I physically can't care for the children.

Did you read my suggestion about your daughter looking for part-time evening/weekend work and her husband looking after the children? She obviously can't afford to be a SAHM so must find ways to address this.

bloolagoon

maggieann2luke wrote: »

Our daughter is getting child tax credit but it will not pay childcare in our area. Also the nearest nursery and employment prospects are 5 miles away, she doesn't drive and there's no suitable bus service.

I have just done the benefis calculator on this site for both of us and we are entitled to absolutely nothing. I can imagine that we'll end up living in one house again. We've done it before but were classed as overcrowded, It won't solve the financial problems though because I physically can't care for the children.

I take it many others are in similar circumstances. Could she train as a childminder to gain income and help other parents out?

bloolagoon

maggieann2luke wrote: »

Our daughter is getting child tax credit but it will not pay childcare in our area. Also the nearest nursery and employment prospects are 5 miles away, she doesn't drive and there's no suitable bus service.

I have just done the benefis calculator on this site for both of us and we are entitled to absolutely nothing. I can imagine that we'll end up living in one house again. We've done it before but were classed as overcrowded, It won't solve the financial problems though because I physically can't care for the children.

She is getting something, she is getting child tax credits and child benefit.

seven-day-weekend

Thinking about it, my idea of p/t work probably wouldn't pay more than the tax credits. Benefit trap again.

maggieann2luke

I am asking for suggestions for both of us. Our daughter's partner works 10am to 8pm. We all live in a small village, 1 shop and 80% holiday homes. He walks 5 miles to work or gets a lft if he's lucky.

We would love to be able to look after the kids at weekends but my husband is struggling to stay working following heart problems and now kidney issues. He can't really cope with his health plus 2boisterous boys and the baby. I have chronic spnal trouble and I'm waiting for surgery on my knee - basically damaged by my back and the way I walk.

I'm not looking for excuses or sympathy, we have to deal with our health as it affects us. The financial side of thngs is my biggest concern for us all.