Pretty sure we are going to lose our 30 hours funding

[RiverFlowers]

I am currently undergoing chemo for breast cancer, my husband has taken time off work until summer to be here for me as I don't drive (so need him for appointments) as well as helping out more when I don't feel well. He is still employed and has a job to go back to but isn't getting paid.

I am on full pay for another few months then my income protection via work kicks in.

Originally, we were told that given the circumstances - we could continue receiving the 30 hours funding for our child, but I have also now been told that as my husband isn't earning, he doesn't meet the criteria - so we will not be eligible for the 30 hours, but 15 instead. We re-reconfirmed over a week ago and the confirmation hasn't returned making me think they are going to deny it.

Our child goes to pre-school full time, so the 30 hours covers the fees other than the daily lunch fee we have to pay. If we only receive 15 hours, we cannot afford to keep him full time - we would have to reduce him to 2.5 days or 5 half days - the sessions are charged at £15 per session (which is one morning = session, one afternoon = session, so another £30 per day + £3 lunch fee)

That's an additional £75 a week than we pay now which soon adds up to something unaffordable.

I am really upset about it, he has speech delay and has been referred for speech therapy and being at pre-school full time has been really good for him - so if they take our funding away, he will lose out.

We have tried to apply for carers allowance for my husband, but as I am not receiving any benefits, he isn't eligible - and I cannot apply for benefits either it seems.

My husband has to give eight weeks notice to return to work, so it's not like he can just go back either - not that it's really possible, the chemo can make me really sick so he needs to be here for the kids when I can't manage it.

It's just a mess really.

Does anyone have any advice?

I'm so sorry you have to go through all this. If you haven't done so already, you can speak to your local authority in regards to 30 hours funding and the grace period they apply (which depends on the date by which you had to reconfirm your eligibility)? They should exactly see in their system when your code expires. Apparently, authorities use different criteria.

Have a look at table 6 (which looks similar/the same to/as the one which currently applies):
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-education-and-childcare--2/early-education-and-childcare-applies-from-1-april-2024
Wishing you all the best

I’m sorry you’re going through this op. My sister has breast cancer last year and was able to claim PIP. Can you do this?

Have you got mortgage insurance or life assurance of any sort? If so, have you checked if it will pay your mortgage while being treated for cancer?

Are there any local charitable trusts that might offer financial help?

You should get a 3 month grace period ask your nursery to check the portal for you.
Go back to McMillan and ask for advice on appealing or citizens advice.
Has McMillan talked to you about a grant yet?
How many rounds have you had so far? I was very ill round one....allergic to anti sick so they changed it, I also found the steroids made me feel sick so they reduced it. Then week one was okay week 2 was shattered and week 3 felt great....could you ask for husband to have altered hours or work from home on bad days?

It's a tough shitty journey sending massive hugs.

What is the Grace Period End Date your code had last time you reconfirmed?
If your code's end date was sometime recent there's a high chance your grace period ends 31st August. So your funding can continue.
If you don't know this get your childcare provider to check your code and get the dates.
Fingers crossed this is the case for you so you can continue to get your 30 hours.

Sorry about your cancer

It's one term 12w or split into 2 terms of 6w or so

Then starts sept school

I get you want your son to have the extra funded hours but equally being at home with you and dad and will get extra 121 time with you both or just dh if you are feeling poorly - will also help him

Could you drop 3 sessions

So that he does 2 whole days and 3 half days so paying for 2 sessions a week yourself