Child care cost of a carer

[Dandansdad]

Hi I’m a single dad with a 15 month old I’m currently a carer for a family member I would love to have my child in nursery just a few days or hours a week to interact with other children would I be entitled to the free child care cost I have looked around but can not find any information on carers being entitled to this apologies if this has been asked before I’m new to being a parent so never had to do this before any advise much appreciated thank you

is your child with you full time?

Hi yes he is

there’s no free childcare at this age. from 2 years

but presumably you take to playgroups etc? so will get interaction then

It starts at 2 currently.

From the term after your child turns 2 years

I keep getting told different information by people it’s all confusing lol people have said its 2 and people say you can get help towards paying but obviously I have to pay a percentage I never knew about play groups will look into them thank you

Oh OP, there will be many many playgroups i suspect. and your child will love them. plus nice pop for you to sit with a coffee. and they are either free or just donate a pound or two

15 hours after 2 as long as your income is below the eligibility figure

15 hours from 2 if you're on a low income or benefits, 3 for everyone else but you need to be earning a minimum amount I think carers allowance might not be enough

Thank you I will be back at work when he is 2 so would be able to cover the cost I was just being told different things by people that he can at this ages was just a bit confusing so though would ask on mumsnet

It was always 15 hours from 2 if on certain benefits and 30 hours from 3 if on carers allowance

If you are a carer (are you getting carers allowance) you maybe entitled to a carers assessment from social services sometimes this can involve a payment- to support you in your role as a carer (you could argue a break from your child will support you to remain in your caring role).