Benefits for sahp

[Abigailsfarty]

AIBU to ask for advice here? Shameless trap for traffic.

My dh works for an agency and lately work has dried up a bit and we're starting to struggle. We have 2 dc, 1y and 2m.

I intend to return to work probably July. If he quit his job how would benefits work? Is it true that he wouldn't be made to look for work until dc turn 5? Would it be worth it?

Can I please ask for your experiences?

Thanks!

Are you okay OP?

He might get JSA between now and July if he is looking for work. If he becomes a sahd when you go back to work then you would get tax credit top ups if your household income is less than £32k. I think under the new Universal credit which is being phased in then you would both need to work once your youngest child is in full time school.

Go to your local CAB as it's complicated and what you will get will depend on the situation- renting or mortgage, private let or rsl, and whether Universal Credit has come into your area yet. But if you are renting you need to get a housing benefit claim in asap- you should eventually get some for any week he's not working, (if you aren't getting maternity pay) -and check eligibility for child tax credits.
Agency work and benefits is really hard work- loads of bureacucracy and uncertainty.
If there is no work for him (and the agency are willing to confirm that) he may be able to claim JSA for any week he isn't working, so long as he is looking for work full time. .
Alternatively, could he go 'freelance'? This may enable him to get Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit to top up earnings from part time agency work and spending the remainder of 30 hrs a week developing a freelance/ self employed business. Which might turn into a second income when you go back.

Then work out what your benefits situation might be when you return to work (eg tax credits, help with childcare etc) and see if you can get by with him as a SAHD.