Anyone Successfully Hired a Nanny While on UC?

So you have two kids with extra needs, are on UC because obviously your paying jobs arnt enough to keep you financials stable. Why are you having another baby? Genuine question, no hate. But why?

They'll pay the same amount toward a nanny as they would a childminder or nursery - why would that be astonishing?

They're not going to pay the full cost of a FT nanny, just as they don't pay the full whack of a nursery or CM.

From a previous post it sounds like the amount left to pay would be considerably higher than the OP expected.

Well depends on the hourly rate and how many hours

Nannie’s are usually qualified so earning over nmw

the calculation shows that an average job on nmw would be earning £27k I think

so not forgetting travel - if you work 8hrs a day your nanny will be doing 10 so a 50hr week

“Pay a somewhat incompetent babysitter” is really quite a rude summary of someone who is taking care of YOUR child

@LeonMccogh As another poster said they are likely to be getting a decent amount in terms of benefits though? Especially if it's enough to hire a nanny (which only the very wealthy can usually consider).

We all thought it…

There's state funding of all kinds of Ofsted registered childcare.

Right. I’m going to say it.

I find it astonishing that benefits would pay for a nanny.

that’s it really.

I think you mean a childminder don’t you? You should be able to apply 30 hours free per week during term time to a childminder (usually local authorities have a list of registered ones on their websites). You’d have to pay extra to wrap school holidays. Childminders usually have a number of kids and host at their house, not the same as a nanny, who usually just has your kids operates from your home. The latter being expensive and the former quite affordable.

£1768.95 per month = £21227.28 per year
So that's to cover 85% of childcare costs so to get that maximum you'd need to be paying out £24,973.27pa and funding £3,745.99pa (£72 per week) out of your own pocket.

Bear in mind it's up to 85%, so depending on how high or low your income is it might not be the full 85%.

There's also a cap of about £1800 a month. So even if you're paying your nanny right at the minimum at about £2400 a month, you can't get more than £1800 back.

So say you have an inexperienced, newly qualified/unqualified nanny and live outside of London/SE and are paying £12.50 an hour for 45 hours a week - and offering a gross salary of £29250 a year - remember you also need to allow for mileage if she's driving (or you provide a car), meals on duty, activities with the children, pension contributions, employer's NI, a payroll company, insurance. And also allow for sick pay, maternity pay, covering her holiday.

So some of your questions - the nanny has to set up their own Ofsted register. You have to pay their NI and pension contributions and as they work for you, you also have to show this on their payslips (there are companies to help you like Nanny Tax). You also have to file an annual tax return and show all of this. If your nanny gets pregnant they are entitled to maternity leave and pay. You also have to pay them sick pay. As you are directly employing them you have to think about your legal benefits you get from your work and apply these to your nanny.

Sorry OP but if you are receiving UC I highly doubt you are able to pay a salary with NI and pension etc for a nanny. I would suggest a childminder or nursery.

ODFOD

No one needs to be so fucking rude

It's unfair to assume they have very little money. As per my comment above if both kids on DLA etc , the UC claim can be very high with the addition of disabled kids elements and carers elements, so they could be getting very decent wages and still qualify. Add in childcare elements and it will be even higher.

If various disabled child elements and carers elements on the claim, the UC amount before deductions is likely to be high.

Minimum wage is around £27k for 40 hours per week. Most nannies work at least a 10 hr day, and you should expect to pay at least a few £ per hour over minimum wage for a qualified ofsted registered nanny. A very cheap nanny at £14 per hour on a 50 hour week is £36,400.

@JakeMichael But surely not enough to hire a nanny?

I’ve looked into this as well have a child in SEN school who needs very specific care after school and we both work FT. Unfortunately I just couldn’t make it add up. We pay a somewhat incompetent babysitter at the moment (all done properly with NI etc). But I don’t think the government realises how very hard it is to work with a disabled child. I’m contemplating giving up work because we just can’t afford childcare that is safe for their needs and suitable. There are zero afterschool clubs for high needs children in our area, so a nanny or family are the only option.

Lots of couples who work get uc

as wages are so shit

or they get help with rent /childcare

I think the problem you face is finding a nanny to work for what you can pay. It will probably be below the current going rate in your area, so will be difficult to find someone. Being OFSTED registered means the nanny is already paying out, usually from their own pocket to stay compliant. It will probably be better to look for a childminder.

@JakeMichael Please forgive me if I'm being daft, but why are you receiving UC if both you and your partner are in work?