To ask if you would reduce your hours in this situation even if it meant going on benefits?

[Conflicted2019]

DH works full time in a role that is extremely hard physically. Think reports about delivery firms and you would be on the right track. Over the past year, he has broken two bones and suffered a rotating cuff injury. The bone in his foot has not healed properly and he now has irreparable damage. His foot often swells leaving him in pain and he can barely move his shoulder at times especially since the work is repetitive. Despite all of this, he has battled through work but is getting worse by the day. He is in his mid 40’s now. It is also night work which does not help.

I am half way through a two year PGCE course, so have another year. I really want to complete this but feel that my DH cannot go on.

He has spoken to his manager and they have said that it would be possible for him to go part-time.

We have considered him getting another job during the day but with the childcare fees we would then need to pay, we just couldn’t make it work.

So my options are:

A) give up my course and go and find full time work to allow DH to go part time

B) still go part time but claim tax credits for the next year and stay on my course.

Or if anyone has any other suggestions I would really welcome them.

Your course could lead to a well paid job, so you shouldn’t give it up

I'd stay on the course and claim tax credits. You need short term help so you can get a job which will allow you to support your family indefinitely. Your DH is too unwell to work full time and you already are. It's a no-brainer for me tbh.

Are you entitled to a student loan? If so it may go up when your household income drops.

I’d check to see if you can actually start a claim for tax credits. Most areas now put new claims on universal credit and you really don’t want that if you can help it.

Is he having the rotator cuff repaired? It's quite a simple operation.

Agree with claiming tax credits. Your DH's situation is very tough and he has been paying taxes for 25 years so no harm in gettinf something back when he needs it.

Eventually you will be a qualified teacher and we are desperate for those!!

Yes I have looked into student loans but they take previous years income. We will still be eligible for tax credits (not UC) as we have a disabled child and they haven’t switched yet.

@knifeangel

He is only under a physio at the moment. I will get him to ask.

In that case then yes I’d say it’s a no brainer. Claim the TC.

With tax credits/universal credit they assume that you have taken the maximum loan available even if you haven't. The deadline for students loans for next academic year is now

Option B.
Your DH needs to at least go part time from the sound of his health. You shouldn't give up your course as it's beneficial for you and could result in better future prospects.

You can give your details for the current tax yearar_ if you think your household income will be at least 15% lower than the tax year you’ve been asked to submit details for.*

From https://www.gov.uk/support-child-or-partners-student-finance-applicationn*

If you aren't already claiming the maximum loan this may make a difference.

Where have you read that a disabled child stops you from being migrated onto UC. That is not my understanding.