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Lone parents

I want to work but it's not easy is it?

5 replies

champtastic · 04/05/2015 23:50

Being a lone parent I mean.

After spending the last 10 years being a SAHM, an old boss got in touch and there's a job for me if I want it. But, the problems...

  • I have nobody to mind the children after school til I get home. 2 are disabled and childcare for them is non-existent.


  • if I earn over £110 a week or do 16 hours+, I lose my Income Support, Carers Allowance, free school meals and council tax discount. It's not a high paid job so I'd be working for very little gain once I paid out the extra costs.


But I want to work. I need to work for my sanity. I get no maintenance from ex-h. He is banned from seeing the children by the court, none of my family can help (mum too frail. Sisters work full time). Aaaargghhh!!

I'm just kidding myself I can work aren't I?
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Starlightbright1 · 05/05/2015 07:49

Would there be any options for this job in school hours?

You I think get higher tax credit for your children if they are disabled I think ( I know you do if you are disabled ) but do check it out.

Also ring the local council about childminders who would do it..

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champtastic · 05/05/2015 08:31

Thanks for the reply. That crossed my mind this morning actually. I'm going to ask about working 9/9.30 til 2 I think, plus ask about possibly working from home. That's if I go for the full offer of 30 hours a week.

School holidays would be another challenge though. My disabled twins go to a club 10am til 3pm, 4 days a week in the holidays but my DD is 11 and there is nothing for her to go to. I can't leave her at home while I go to work say 11 til 2 can I?

Never thought of contacting the council about childminders. Thanks.

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justjuanmorebeer · 05/05/2015 13:26

You may find that with working the 30 hours with tax credit top ups you'll be fine.
Any less hours than this and your tax creds reduce.
In terms of childcare can I suggest talking to the agency snap childcare. I used to work for them and they are brill. They specialise in nannies for children with any type of additional needs. It is not just for London.
I know nannies per hour are more pricey but you'll probably get 70% of the cost back if you get someone ofsted registered. Certainly worth talking things through with the agency anyway!
When I worked for them this was exactly the sort of hourly job I'd look for rather than full time as I used to fit it in with my studies.

Good luck Smile

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champtastic · 05/05/2015 16:41

Thanks for the info. I'll certainly look into everything more closely after my meeting tomorrow as I'll have more of an idea of how flexible they can be.

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Starlightbright1 · 05/05/2015 19:40

Can I also suggest you post under parents with disabilities. I am sure the childcare is a problem for 2 parent families the same but maybe more experience of finding solutions

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