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AIBU?

No more 30 hours free childcare

128 replies

tipiipit · 18/01/2018 08:43

Not an AIBU but I'm in a right state and just needed somewhere to come to cry basically

I'm a single mum to a 3 year old, expecting a baby in April too.

Won't be getting maternity pay as haven't been in my current job long enough, so saved up lots of money and I also get a student loan.

Have just found out my 3 YO will no longer be eligible for 30 hours free childcare once I finish at work.

I'm absolutely heartbroken cannot stop crying. I just presumed he'd continue to get 30 hours free I had no idea that you had to be in employment. Feeling like an idiot. A very poor idiot. No idea what to do. (Was planning on staying at uni after baby was born, taking baby in with me when I could and 3YO going to nursery. But now I can't afford for him to go to nursery, but if I can't go to uni I won't get a student loan which means I have no money. I know a few people who take babies into classes but I couldn't take my 3YO that wouldn't be fair on anyone.)

What am I going to do Sad

OP posts:
ellesbellesxxx · 18/01/2018 08:45

They will still get 15 hours pre school funding won't they? (Assuming they are the term after 3rd bday?)

Monoblock67 · 18/01/2018 08:45

If you’re just on maternity leave, not handing in your resignation, surely that doesn’t affect your childcare? Who told you you wouldn’t get the 30 hours any more?

ellesbellesxxx · 18/01/2018 08:46

Have you checked if you are entitled to maternity allowance?

Believeitornot · 18/01/2018 08:46

Where’s the father of the 3 year old and baby? Is he contributing financially and have you pursued this?
Can family or friends help look after the older on temporarily?

hurrythefuckupgeorge · 18/01/2018 08:46

Would he not get 15 hours? Sorry if different as I am in Scotland and all kids get 15 hours regardless of parenrs working

ellesbellesxxx · 18/01/2018 08:47
goodbyeeee · 18/01/2018 08:48

You will still have 15 free hours - will that help at all?

CalpolOnToast · 18/01/2018 08:49

I thought you still got the 30 hours if studying?

IcingSausage · 18/01/2018 08:49

I have no idea about the 30 hours or how that works in regards to being on maternity leave I’m afraid, but your 3yr old is definitely entitled to 15 free hours a week regardless. That might help a little bit?

Snowysky20009 · 18/01/2018 08:53

Studying does not count towards the free hours unless you work as well unfortunately- you have to be in paid employment.

Theresnonamesleft · 18/01/2018 08:55

Have you double checked maternity allowance as it’s not dependent on your
Current job.

Whatshallidonowpeople · 18/01/2018 08:58

Why not check this before you got pregnant? And the hours aren't really free, they are paid for by the tax payer.

Snowysky20009 · 18/01/2018 08:58

Circumstances where you may still be eligible

You can use 30 hours free childcare if you're already getting Universal Credit or tax credits, and you can still apply for 30 hours free childcare if you or your partner:

are taking paid time off work, such as maternity leave, paternity
leave or sick leave
are temporarily away from England for a period of up to 6 months, such as if you're in the military (on duty)

Who told you that you won't get the childcare when in maternity leave?

JagerPlease · 18/01/2018 09:00

You can still get the 30 hours on mat leave childcare-support.tax.service.gov.uk/moreinfopar/2/?returnURL=%2F

NeedsAsockamnesty · 18/01/2018 09:21

If you use and pay for the childcare the week before you start your ML you are entitled to carry on using it with childcare element if you qualify for the entire 39 weeks you are on SMP/ma

Hoppinggreen · 18/01/2018 09:28

Don’t panic OP, as others have said you may be entitled to something
However, you should really have checked beforehand if it’s so vital - still, too late now so fingers crossed you will be ok

VinnyTheVagina · 18/01/2018 09:29

Sorry you are in such a pickle. But....where is the dad? Have you double checked re 3 year old. Go to Citizens Advice and ask. Ask at the nursery.

Aspatria · 18/01/2018 09:29

Are you allowed to become a full-time student when you are on maternity leave?

Regardless, if you are on maternity leave, surely you are still considered in employment?

PJsAndProsecco · 18/01/2018 09:32

YOu still get 30 hours when you're on maternity leave. But if you're studying and not in paid employment that may be different. I'll be on maternity leave when my DD starts with her 30 hours per week in September.

Reallycantbebothered · 18/01/2018 09:32

How on earth can you take a baby into classes? And shouldn't you have thought all this through before becoming pregnant again

arethereanyleftatall · 18/01/2018 09:35

Are you studying something you want to study, or just to get the loan? If it's the latter (as you implied in post 2) there are better ways of getting money; could you be a nanny/childminder whilst looking after your two?

cliffdiver · 18/01/2018 09:42

If you're studying at uni you will get a childcare grant if your household income is low enough.

Call Student Finance and ask the to send you the forms.

Good luck.

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Kikashi · 18/01/2018 09:52

About to say what cliffdiver has just suggested. Also some unis have creches/nurseries on site and have bursaries/access funds to help cover the fees. Some unis also have "dependent" grants/bursaries available for those with children and non working partners and bursaries for those on low income (although often these are paid in the second and third trimesters) check out the website for your uni and you could contact student services for advice.

ohlittlepea · 18/01/2018 09:52

If your in paid employment that meets the stipulations and you go on maternity leave you get the 30hrs, if not everyone has 15hrs I think. You need to get it in writing from the university that its OK to take the baby in with you regularly as other wise this could end up being another nasty suprise. CAB are good to speak to about negotiating any benefits you may be entitled to during this time xxx

Doublegloucester · 18/01/2018 10:00

Really helpful comments regarding op having thought this through before she got pregnant Confused. Judgey much?

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