Page 2 | 15 free hours (punished for not having a partner?)

glossypeach · 2023-05-01T12:33:53+00:00

Title is a bit weird but let me continue. I’m disabled and unable to work at the moment, I’m also a single parent to a three year old. He is eligible for the 15 hours free childcare because I’m currently not working. But if my circumstances changed and I got a partner who worked, I would be eligible for him to have the 30 hours free childcare. But the only thing that would change would be having a partner. I’d still be disabled, id still be unable to work but because I’d have a partner my child would be allowed to have that extra time in nursery. It feels like I’m being punished for choosing to remain single, and a bit discriminating that I’m unable to work at the moment but because I cannot do that, my child is missing out. My child is very active and although I have a good support network to help him get out when my disability disabled me to, he thrives at nursery - so I cannot see how single disabled people don’t get that 30 free hour funding also??

Florissant · 01/05/2023 13:54

Sissynova · 01/05/2023 13:48

You aren’t punished for not having a partner, you don’t qualify for 30 hours because you don’t work and don’t need it.

Yes.

funinthesun19 · 01/05/2023 13:54

morelippy · 01/05/2023 13:50

Why do you need more childcare? Free or otherwise

She’s thinking along the lines of it being beneficial for her child.

Nordicrain · 01/05/2023 13:55

Mumoftwoinprimary · 01/05/2023 13:49

I thought that if there was a couple then they both had to be working.

You can usually get 30 hours free childcare if you (and your partner, if you have one) are:

in work
on sick leave or annual leave
on shared parental, maternity, paternity or adoption leave

I am guessing OP is referring to this:

If you are not currently working
You may still be eligible if your partner is working, and you get Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Limited Capability for Work Benefit or contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance.

In either case, it's still about incentivising people to work. This exception is, I assume to prevent someone having to be out of work for childcare if the other parent is disabled. If you are single you aren't preventing someone else from working by not being able to look after your child.

Xennellium · 01/05/2023 13:55

You can only get it if both parents are working the right number of hours (or one parent in a single parent household) so it isn't unfair.
The only other way to get it is due to the parent being a carer or the child having SEND

amiold · 01/05/2023 13:55

Don't you get 15 hours from two though where lots don't?

What do you want the extra hours for? Are you looking at getting back into work eventually?

Dishwashersaurous · 01/05/2023 13:56

I think that the op is confused by this on gov.uk

If you are not currently working
You may still be eligible if your partner is working, and you get Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Limited Capability for Work Benefit or contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance.

You can apply if you’re starting or re-starting work within the next 31 days.

But this ONLY applies of she is starting work in thr next 31 days.

BOTH of you have to be working to get 30 hours.

So having a partner or not is immaterial

drpet49 · 01/05/2023 13:56

Sissynova · 01/05/2023 13:48

You aren’t punished for not having a partner, you don’t qualify for 30 hours because you don’t work and don’t need it.

This

Willyoujustbequiet · 01/05/2023 13:58

Butitsnotfunnyisititsserious · 01/05/2023 13:51

But it's for people who are working, not just those in a couple. You aren't working, so why do you require the 30 hours?

Perhaps she is struggling with her disability whilst raising a child alone?

PicaK · 01/05/2023 13:59

If you had a partner then you would not be entitled to any/as much universal credit. So you would lose out that way.
Some state run preschools have to give 1 funded place. Have you tried approaching them to see if you qualify. It's not something they actively promote

NotAnotherBathBomb · 01/05/2023 13:59

Thehop · 01/05/2023 13:46

nothi to do with being single it's because you're not working

This. I'm pretty sure that you still don't get it if you have a partner and you're still not working.

batsandeggs · 01/05/2023 14:00

Lots of negativity in here for someone who appears to have simply misunderstood the eligibility requirements.

OP, if you feel that the extra hours would be beneficial for your child and in relation to your disability then it’s definitely one to speak to your HV or social worker about, if you have one.

funinthesun19 · 01/05/2023 14:01

PP are right. You’d need to be also working in order to qualify. So the fact that you’re single isn’t the reason.

SkaterBrained · 01/05/2023 14:04

If you are struggling, there are different avenues for help for disabled parents, instead of trying to bend the things in place for working parents to suit your needs. Were you eligible for 2yo funding, for example?

Have you looked at young carers? As a single parent you could contact Gingerbread for advice.

Hopefully you will find a way to get the balance you need, but the specifics of this policy is not the right battle.

Original poster

glossypeach · 01/05/2023 14:05

Thank you all for your replies and opinions. I’m not meaning to be nasty and and I’m completely grateful for the help and support that I have to assist me and my child as I’m not working - so I don’t want people to think that I’m not. I was under the impression that if I had a partner who worked, because I’m disabled and am on the correct benefits that my child would eligible for the 30 hours, as being disabled is a reason to not be in work.

secondly, for those who are stating why do I need the 30 hours for my child when I’m not working. I’m physically disabled and am in intense pain all day every day. My child is incredibly active and loves nursery and it gives him that freedom to be able to do things that I can’t do with him every day and it gives me a bit of relief. It would be beneficial for the both of us for him to have that little bit of extra time at nursery.

i understand peoples point of views, and thank you for giving your feedback.

OP posts:

DeflatedAgain · 01/05/2023 14:05

It's free childcare OP. I'd be happy with anything I can get tbh.

Don't kick up a stink over something that's going to help so many people.

Some schemes aren't suitable for every family dynamic. That's life.

Dishwashersaurous · 01/05/2023 14:07

It's an understandable thought to have, but you are not eligible for 30 hours.

However, please do speak to your social worker. And if you don't have one then maybe ask the local authority for support

HaudYerWheeshtYaWeeBellend · 01/05/2023 14:07

I’m going to ignore the childcare issue because it’s a red herring.

Have you spoken to child services so ask for additional help?

There is loads of support groups that can get you in touch with and also day outings for your child as they will
be classed as a young carer, have a look at careers.org.

is your disability medically diagnosed and do you received PIP for this?.

Theresasnakeinmaboot · 01/05/2023 14:07

I don’t understand where you’ve got this information from but I’m married, DH works, I’m a SAHM and my 3 year old can ONLY get 15 hours free childcare, it would only change if I WENT TO WORK. It has to be for working parents only or ones on certain benefits.

Crunchymum · 01/05/2023 14:08

ThisSingleMama · 01/05/2023 13:54

You get other disability payments?

Is that not for you to choose how to spend? Use that for extra hours?

The "other payments" are probably swallowed up on all the day to day bills.

Stressfordays · 01/05/2023 14:08

I'm single and I got 30 hours because I work. My friend is married and her partner works and she doesn't so she gets 15 hours. I think that's fair enough. Plus, you'll have been entitled to 15 hours from 2 whereas I wasn't because I worked. If you feel you need more hours and can't afford it, speak to your health visitor.

Nimbostratus100 · 01/05/2023 14:08

but your child has a father presumably? what hours is he doing with your little one?

Dishwashersaurous · 01/05/2023 14:08

Could you use your pip to pay for extra childcare, or someone to help out?

Nimbostratus100 · 01/05/2023 14:09

you wont get 30 hours if you had a partner that works, you would get 30 hours if you work, That is to help you work

Dishwashersaurous · 01/05/2023 14:09

Could the father do extra hours with him, or pay for more childcare

TomatoSandwiches · 01/05/2023 14:12

glossypeach · 01/05/2023 14:05

Thank you all for your replies and opinions. I’m not meaning to be nasty and and I’m completely grateful for the help and support that I have to assist me and my child as I’m not working - so I don’t want people to think that I’m not. I was under the impression that if I had a partner who worked, because I’m disabled and am on the correct benefits that my child would eligible for the 30 hours, as being disabled is a reason to not be in work.

secondly, for those who are stating why do I need the 30 hours for my child when I’m not working. I’m physically disabled and am in intense pain all day every day. My child is incredibly active and loves nursery and it gives him that freedom to be able to do things that I can’t do with him every day and it gives me a bit of relief. It would be beneficial for the both of us for him to have that little bit of extra time at nursery.

i understand peoples point of views, and thank you for giving your feedback.

I think pp have suggested talking to your HV or perhaps GP about being sign posted to any resource that can help.
You could also try and ask for a health care assesment for yourself from adult SS, they can approve funds for things such as cleaners or even driving lessons, so covering some nursery fees would not be out of their relm I imagine.
you could also talk to the SENCO at nursery if they have one.

I do sympathise, it isn't easy having a very physically active child when you are struggling yourself, I hope you find the help you need.