I am currently undergoing chemo for breast cancer, my husband has taken time off work until summer to be here for me as I don't drive (so need him for appointments) as well as helping out more when I don't feel well. He is still employed and has a job to go back to but isn't getting paid.
I am on full pay for another few months then my income protection via work kicks in.
Originally, we were told that given the circumstances - we could continue receiving the 30 hours funding for our child, but I have also now been told that as my husband isn't earning, he doesn't meet the criteria - so we will not be eligible for the 30 hours, but 15 instead. We re-reconfirmed over a week ago and the confirmation hasn't returned making me think they are going to deny it.
Our child goes to pre-school full time, so the 30 hours covers the fees other than the daily lunch fee we have to pay. If we only receive 15 hours, we cannot afford to keep him full time - we would have to reduce him to 2.5 days or 5 half days - the sessions are charged at £15 per session (which is one morning = session, one afternoon = session, so another £30 per day + £3 lunch fee)
That's an additional £75 a week than we pay now which soon adds up to something unaffordable.
I am really upset about it, he has speech delay and has been referred for speech therapy and being at pre-school full time has been really good for him - so if they take our funding away, he will lose out.
We have tried to apply for carers allowance for my husband, but as I am not receiving any benefits, he isn't eligible - and I cannot apply for benefits either it seems.
My husband has to give eight weeks notice to return to work, so it's not like he can just go back either - not that it's really possible, the chemo can make me really sick so he needs to be here for the kids when I can't manage it.
It's just a mess really.
Does anyone have any advice?