JSA and child care.

sebastianj

Just for clarity, what happens when a person has to go for appointments, job interviews or even starting a job, who pays for the childcare? what is the system? can someone please shed some light on this? There are many single parents asking the question.
Thank you.

sebastian.

Dunroamin

I doubt very much that there is a system for childcare for interviews, most people would just make their own arrangements. It's not unusual for people to take a child with them when signing on though.

WantToBeSE

Well as far as i remember, single parents dont have to sign off IS and onto JSA until their child is at school.
So interviews etc should be arranged during school hours.

GwylimT

Until your child is at school you shouldn't be on JSA, you should be on income support, when on JSA your children are at school so you can simply attend interviews during school hours.

sebastianj

This lady I know has 3 children, 5,7,8 years old and she is signing on jsa. Is that right?
serb

~Beanie~

Yes that is correct, but they will all be in school so she would arrange her appointments and job interviews during school hours.

sebastianj

Thanks,
And what does she need to do once she has a job? She will need to leave kids at school by 8.30 am. I think and pick up time 3.15pm. How will people fit this into a 9-5 job?
I think some people may get some help from friends but knowing the situation these days, every one seem to be in the same situation. I am just trying to encourage people to become self sufficient within the system but I still don't know how this works.
seb

tanith

Lots of schools have breakfast and after school clubs or there might be one in the area.. I think there is some kind of voucher system for childcare , I'm sure someone will be along who knows more about it.

jacques_chirac

tanith wrote: »

Lots of schools have breakfast and after school clubs or there might be one in the area.. I think there is some kind of voucher system for childcare , I'm sure someone will be along who knows more about it.

You're right - voucher schemes and child tax credits are available to help with childcare costs.

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/calcs/ccin.htm

WantToBeSE

sebastianj wrote: »

This lady I know has 3 children, 5,7,8 years old and she is signing on jsa. Is that right?
serb

Yes, thats right. her youngest is now 5, so she is no longer able to get IS and can claim JSA.

sebastianj wrote: »

Thanks,
And what does she need to do once she has a job? She will need to leave kids at school by 8.30 am. I think and pick up time 3.15pm. How will people fit this into a 9-5 job?
I think some people may get some help from friends but knowing the situation these days, every one seem to be in the same situation. I am just trying to encourage people to become self sufficient within the system but I still don't know how this works.
seb

As a single parent, she doesnt have to work full time, she just has to work over 16 hours to come off JSA and get Tax Credits.
In regards to childcare, she will have to do what millions of other working parents do- find childcare in her area. Either a breakfast and after school club, or a childminder.
She can find a list of available childcare from either her council, the school, or google the Family Information Service.

ArtoDeeto

sebastianj wrote: »

Thanks,
And what does she need to do once she has a job?

Turn up

sebastianj wrote: »

She will need to leave kids at school by 8.30 am. I think and pick up time 3.15pm. How will people fit this into a 9-5 job?

Why is she looking for a 9=5 job if she can't do it?