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.

You really can't but ok whatever

I really don't know why I'm so invested in this but I don't like the idea that you are going without funds you are entitled to.

I'm not a tax credits expert but I am going off what I know, and what is says on the actual government page from the actual department that actually deals with tax credits.

How about office work? Typically 9-5. Starting off perhaps with receptionist, mail room, onsite catering, data entry etc. Perhaps you could approach some of the firms/agencies in your area to find out what's available? The hours will suit, and it will help by providing additional skills useful for nursing qualifications. Good luck OP

About capital
We will not normally take capital (that is, deposits in current and savings accounts at banks and building societies, most lump sum payments and the value of property, shares and other investments) into account when we work out your entitlement to tax credits.
However, in some cases where the Income Tax rules treat capital as income, and tax it as such, you will be expected to include the taxable amount as income in your tax credits claim. This can happen if, for example, you
hold shares in a UK company and the company gives you a stock dividend (new shares) instead of a cash dividend. This is part of what we call ‘notional income’.

If you ring them they will confirm what I've told you. Maybe there's something your not including I don't know.

If I owned a house one worth say £175,000 I would be entitled.
If I lived in it.

If I own a flat worth £65,000 and a house worth £110,000 I'm not. Because I live in one.

Thanks Bluerose :)

I am a bit surprised at this thread. No offence but some of the suggestions are just rubbish. Why so much self employment? Even being a childminder takes a huge amount of marketing and advertising/ contact with people (ie being interviewed constantly) hardly the sort of thing for someone who isn't really interested.

OP the answer seems bloody obvious to me- basic office work- receptionist/ data entry etc or factory/ warehousing work. Standard hours and many options that don't need qualifications. Ideally you could do this on a temporary basis to get some work experience but I get its hard to start using childcare when
You're not sure you'll actually get work (although surely this is same as zero hours)

Yeh but I never actually got zero hours. If anything you get the opposite problem they are badgering you to do 60 hour weeks and your like no please I need a day off lol. Maybe the answer is obvious. But it's only obvious if you know it.

Would just like to point out I work in a company that has a call centre, office admins, retail staff, a receptionist, and warehouse staff. All except the last require GCSE English and Maths. Those positions are highly in demand by new college and uni graduates so are not easy to find and get either.

You do need qualifications to work in a nursery. I get a bit fed up of people suggesting child care to people who aren't qualified, like it's an easy option

You don't around this area, it seems.

I think it just depends where you live. Here there are lots of women wanting work. So lot's of competition.

What did the employment agencies say?

I'd also recommend talking to the JC advisors.

I agree with the other posters that say it's NOT easy to get receptionist/admin/call centre jobs with no qualifications.

You really need some advice which is pertinent to your locality. Go and speak to the JC advisors or go back to the local agencies for advice.

well, alot of the time agencies want someone with experience understandably they want someone who can just go in hit the ground running. Something will be sorted I suppose. It's just hard right now.

Nurseries generally don't just have unqualified staff, they take on unqualified people and put them through their training. It's not a job you should just go in to because you can take your baby with you and pay discounted fees or because you think it's easy. There's a lot more to it than most people realise. If your heart isn't in it there's no point bothering, it wouldn't be fair on the children you care for or your colleagues. Plus you'd generally earn more in many other 'unqualified' jobs, like a supermarket for example- nursery nurses are often poorly paid.

I don't mean obvious to you holly I mean it's bloody obvious compared to 11 pages of dog walking/ childminding/ selling property

oh okay sorry :) yes I must admit there were alot of people thinking I should be a childminder!

you might be surprised who uses private cleaners. more people than you realise.

does your local newsagent need someone
seems to me rather than work full time you might be better just a few cash in hand jobs.it is not a lot of money you need, and avoid child care costs.
avon
betterware
delivering leaflets.
baby sitting
ironing

working from home.
can anyone mind your lo ? meet someone at toddler group? who might do it on an ad hoc basis?

somone who you used to work with? can they help with minding your lo?

No, don't have anyone. I don't really want to work cash in hand. It's against the law. It's wrong.

do you have friends who can help?

cash in hand isnt against the law, if it is only pennies surely?

It's not against the law to work cash in hand, it's against the law to not declare it and not pay tax. But you can be paid however you like/ is convenient. You just have to do a self assessment

in a way you are lucky you have no benefits to lose, look at it that way. so many people are juggling, cant work too much because they lose benefits.

Me again OP.

Listen to Grab up thread. I live in a house I bought outright after my divorce settlement and had a six figure sum left over-so a lot of money. Tax Credits deemed I was still entitled to the child tax element after I called them to advise of my change of address and circumstances. Your "income" from the rental property is only £5,400 pa. You will be entitled to the £62.54 weekly child tax credit award even though you have that rental income. Call them. Don't rely on websites.
Also, when you do start work as long as you are working over 15 hrs per week and earning under 15k you will be entitled to up to £175 per week towards child care costs from an approved provider, plus child tax and working tax credits.
Call them tomorrow.

I don't know if the rules have changed delicious but honestly this is not the case now. Will call but already have and got the same answer.