what would you do?

[hollyatchristmas]

Hi

Here is my situation.

I have a DD who is 8 months. Before I had her, I was working (full time) in a zero hours role, although you never actually got zero hours, it was in home community care.

I split up with her dad when she was 2 months, I've had maternity pay just the basic from the government.

Now here's the problem, I need to go back to work. My mum died when I was 13, she left me her house. I don't live in it as I met my boyfriend when I was 17, but I had some money left from what my mum left me, I bought a flat. Me and DD live in the flat now, obviously will prob need somewhere bigger when she's older but luckily she's a quite good baby.

Anyway because I have this house that is rented out to people I am not entitled to any benefits apart from child benefit.

But going back to work is difficult. I have to do anti social hours. I just can't as even if my baby is in nursery they aren't open nights and weekends.

So I need to think of another job, but don't know what. And I'm really starting to panic. I'm just looking for advice on what I can do, to support me and my baby.

But you haven't actually applied for tax credits, have you? Entitledto.com or whatever it's called isn't always accurate.

And capital is absolutely 100% disregarded for Tax credits. It's universal credit that takes it into account, and that's not being rolled out everywhere yet so even if you can get TCs for a year or so that's got to help?

Well, theres got to be call for dog walking or ironing. I mean I'm not trying to be negative just realistic. My daughter is stuck in a flat 7 days a week with just me better for her to be in a nursery with toys and access to outside better for me to be working and gaining skills.

Grab, it's not. Honestly someone has confirmed this I'm sorry some people are sure I'm wrong but I'm not!!

do you take her to mums and toddler groups?

she is young, she doesn't need full on stimulation

sometimes but they cost money too.

no but I do :)

see your health visitor, she might recommend some groups. and a lot of jobs are word of mouth. so get out there and network

network in RL rather than behind a screen

I'm doing fine but just saying how it is.

Sorry to keep banging on but I've just filled out the tax credits calculator on the gov.uk website for you. It doesn't ask about any capital or assets and I've entered your rental income as income from self employment (which is correct). It came up with £250 a month (sorry I can't be exact, I tried to screenshot it before leaving the page but my phone hates me).

Please apply for them. The worst that can happen is you don't get them but I really think you will.

Hi Holly

I wondered if there are any local elderly folk who would pay privately for care so rather than being at the mercy of your employers you could provide that role directly and state your available hours? I have seen such ads in the newsagents window.
Sounds like you have good experience & would have good references plus a strong work ethic.
Also if there are any childminders local to you they may offer you more flexible hours than a nursery.
All the best to you & your daughter for the future x

If you put into google claiming tax credits with capital (not the home you live in but another one you let out) it says different. The thing is it's right. I would not be able to sleep at night for worrying about benefit fraud or having thousands to pay back. Anyway I'd still rather work tbh.

Thank you :)

So Google is right but the government website is wrong?

I really don't understand why you wouldn't apply. You can do it on the phone and make sure you mention the house, and they will make the decision. You're doing yourself out of money you're potentially entitled to, and your child.

Grab, seriously, I've been over it. I don't know what you've entered into entitledto which is the one I've used but mines come back with zero.

Hi op,

People have been unnecessarily harsh, you have said countless times you do not want to sell either property and l completely agree with you, they are your and your daughters security and you should rightly hold on to both house and flat for long term security.

They may not be worth a great amount now but in 30 years they will be mortgage free and provide both you and your grown DD with homes.

All you need is suitable job advice....if l were you l woulfd stop looking for minimum wage jobs and try really hard to investigate how to get into roles that pay better even if not at the beginning....can you speak to a few recruitment people.....you may have no qualifications but you do have skills,ie

Good interpersonal skills from care work

Proven self starter

can organise etc

How about sales work? It can be fairly easy to improve those skills from internet courses and you can earn well...lots depends on if you are close to a city too.

A friend of mine trained to be a nail tecnician when her Ds was a baby and now runs a mobile nail and waxing business, it pays her over 30K a year in daytime hours.

Look into trades you can easily train in and run a small business.

List your skills and interests and think creatively you don't have to just look at poorly paid no security jobs......

Good luck

Here you go.

Page 24.

www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/509036/WTC2_02_16.pdf

Holly, are you avoiding answering?

Have you been back to your previous employer to see if they would accommodate your required hours?

Have you been to the job centre and spoken to an advisor?

Have you been to see any employment agencies?

Do you have a leaving care support team, and if so have you spoken to them about finding work?

EntitledTo isn't always accurate.

I used the calculator on the Gov.uk official website. I have also linked the guidance which clearly states property capital is exempt.

I don't understand your stance at all.

Plus if you work and claim then you'll be even better off.

No I'm not avoiding answering, I've already answered.

Yes I have asked my previous employer.
I've been to the job centre to look for jobs, I haven't spoken to anyone no.
Yes I've spoken to employment agencies.
I left care many years ago and I'd appreciate people stop going on about that it doesn't make me special.

Grab it's something I can look into but I find it hard to believe I can own a house so over £100000 in capital and claim.

Use this calculator. But also phone and speak to them.

www.tax.service.gov.uk/tax-credits-calculator/#/partner

Well, you can.

The only thing they take into account is the rental income, which counts as self employed income.