Contemplating whether to be SAHM? Do Universal credits pay more?

[CarmineInWonderland]

I am contemplating on whether to be SAHM.
There's hear say that it is better off being on benefits than working as wages go to childcare.

It would be a dream but it would mean one less wage and relying on my hubby's income which isn't enough to cover a toddler and a baby.

What are the thoughts of being a SAHM on universal credits after maternity leave?

Most people on Mumsnet are on UC, that's how they have time to post.

Erm yes, who else did you think it was for

You included?

Yeah me too 👍🏻

OP - working pays. It might be harder, but it isn’t just about the numbers, it’s so much more

I am an OAP and that's not UC.

Kemi is going to re introduce the 2 child cap and reform housing benefit.

Surely you already knew that?

If Kemi gets elected which is unlikely.

I actually used the time to retrain. I was very lucky as my husband was very supportive. He actually dropped his hours so we were under the threshold to get housing benefit and at the time working tax credits. I did a year access course and they paid my nursery fees then a 3 year degree that had a bursary available including a good portion to nursery fees. Then was done when my son was in year 1 with a good job and then my husband was able to up his hours and get a better job. We have managed to triple the household wage doing this.

Andy Burnham says he will reform welfare by building social housing. "The Labour Way".

Precisely. I wanted to know if it was worth the effort doing so. The answer is not really.

I have never been on any UC doesn't sound like it will be a lot. I know some people there claiming our hard work money and complaining. Thank you anyway 🙂

Wow!

Thank you for sharing. Do you intend to go back to work?

I admire people like you utilising their time to focus on their goals.

It doesn't look like I can claim UC it's not helpful for myself when I return to work.

Why the faux naivety? There are various sites you can input figures to check if you're eligible.

But maybe if you do decide to claim UC (and are eligible) you can update what nice car/holiday you've got in a few months time? 😄

If you stop working now you may never work again. It’s v hard getting a job when you’ve been out of the workforce for years. In later life I think you’ll look back and realise you’ve spent your whole life pottering around at home.

Your DH intentionally dropped his hours, in order to claim benefits, yet you seem v proud of yourself. Shame.

Just work part time! Do 2 or 3 days a week. I think people believe they have to pick between SAHM and full time work, there is a middle ground.

You'd be better off at this point if DH got a better job paying more money than looking at getting money from the state.

What benefits? Most research points to babies under 2 doing best staying with mum/other main caregiver. Some put it as late as 3 years old. I haven't seen any research that says young babies/toddlers get any benefit from nursery.

Of course, nursery is necessary in most families and not the end of the world, but if OP wants to be a sahm then it's best to have an accurate picture of potential drawbacks and advantages.

I have been working in my job for 7 years in December. I worked before but I hated the job. I intended to be a SAHM for a few years till my youngest started school, but it wasn't for me, I started to really suffer with my mood. I love my kids but I need to have something for myself. My job is flexible. I choose majoroty of my shifts. Do nights and weekends and see plenty of the kids. They are 15 and 12 now so don't need me as much. Long shifts (12.5 hours) but means I am full time on 3 days a week and 1 week of 3 days.

Have a play about with the website as there are possibilities on what you can do with some hours, with education ect.

Great.
I'll work my arse off and pay my taxes (with 3 kids) so you can be a SAHM.

I just LOVE that!

This

"Get a bit too sensitive"?

You decided to have kids.
You're now asking if you can expect others to pay for the privilege of you being a SAHM.

have you seen the state of the country and the size of the welfare bill?
It was designed to support those in need - not for you to use as a lifestyle choice.

So yes, I might be "a bit too sensitive" and I'll gladly own that - with bells on. Rather that, than thinking society should pay for me to be a SAHM.

Thank you, good advice 😊

If it works financially for the family then yes, what not?

The Government make the rules not us. If we are entitled to help, then we should absolutely take it.

The one thing missing from the OP's post is her DH's view on all this. Why should he have to up his hours and take on a more stressful job to pay for it all?

Like hell would I work like a donkey to fund an unemployed adult's lifestyle choice.

As for UC, anyone willingly choosing to rely on that is in for a rude awakening when the Government- red or blue- has the inevitable liquidity crisis and has to cut costs PDQ.

In my experience the only people who are better off on benefits are the ones who are not being entirely honest ( claiming to be be a single parent when they aren’t etc) and make it their full time job to work out what they’re ’entitled’ to.
And they are very few and far between. For most people it’s a real struggle.