Anyone know much about benefits?

[DungunGirl]

Hello ladies

A vague question I know. And I know the government will change everything soon anyway!

I have just found out I am expecting no.3 ( unplanned - we are happy but also financially stretched already ).

Currently both DH and I work.

I need to find out roughly how much help we may get form the government if I ended up staying at home with the kids.

I have to weigh up if working, childcare x 3 and big commuting costs add up!

If I stopped working our household income would be under £40K a year.

ANyone?

Not worth considering until after wednesday Im afraid.

You could look at entitledto.com and play with the figures a bit.

If your husband alone earns nearly £40k, you'll have too much household income to qualify for most benefits - if they dont change the rules you may get a touch of tax credits and retain your child benefit.

How much help you may get from other taxpayers, you mean?

PortoFang...that attitude is totally uncalled for.

I work a full week currently and pay for childcare for 2 children.

I pay full taxes and get no relief and we don't currently get any benefits at all THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

I have worked ALL my adult life, straight out of UNI into a job, NEVER CLAIMED for ANYTHING in my life.

I DO NOT WANT to give up my career but it may just not add up numbers wise and I need to weigh up all the options.

Some people honestly....

it depends on what you earn, and what your childcare costs will be.

atm its anyone guess how things are panning out.

misdee

Yes...I think with the 3, it would be basically something like £1400 a month on childcare. Add on top another £300 a month commuting costs to and from work, my whole salary would go on these 2 things alone, which would leave nothing for bills.

I could go freelance if in between then and getting up and running some benefits might come our way for a little while just to help while I get myself up and running. However, it would mean leaving the career I have built up over 10 years and I am really reluctant....

I don't think my boss will agree on anymore flexible working though

is you career something that can be done at home in the evenings? or can stay involved in somehow till dc#3 is at school and childcare costs will decrease?

Have you run any figures through Entitledto.com yet? Im thinking possibly £10 a week CTC total and whatever Child benefit is for 3 chidren.

Sorry I know that is probably not what you were expecting.

Can you take a career break with employer?

I didn't actually know who the Minister for Diabled People was and have just checked her out to see if there are any statements correcting GO.

Maria Miller is her name but I don't hold out much hope if someone can produce a comment like this (THREE negatives
is quite something..........)

"I don't believe that there isn't anyone who would say that there isn't a better way to work and new ways of working will be high on my priority list."

Are you thinking of JSA? May or may not be entitled depending on whether they deem you have left previous job voluntarily.

Long commute. Wage outweighting childcare/child costs..... I wouldn't have sanctioned you but you can never be too sure.

Oooops.

Wrong (but related!) thread.......

OnaDietCokeBreak

What is JSA?

hmmm....career break....that is an interesting option I never thought of.

So see if they would keep my role open for me to return to then? Sounds intriguing....

Jobseekers Allowance.

They may keep your job open especially if they know you are a good worker.

Sorry for "attitude". I have a little bee in my bonnet about claiming money from the "government". That is not where it comes from.

PortoFangO

To be honest, I know that it isn't from the 'government' but it hits something deep inside me and makes me feel quite sick at the thought that I am even asking about 'benefits'.

I have been brought up to think only hard work gets you what you need and where you need to be and NOT handouts from anyone.

It was hard for me to even make myself put this post up.

Moral snobbery perhaps? I put my hands up - guilty as charged.

You have worked hard for years. It would be madness to return to work for madness and be exhausted at the same time. Please don't feel bad

Thanks OneDietCokeBreak....

It is just all so much to think about.
I want to just be happy about being PG rather than worrying about money.

Why can't life be simple eh?

I guess I went wrong when I didn't bag myself a rich husband! heheheh

Sorry, but what onediet said.

I don't see there being much in the way of benefits for you aside from Child Benefit.

It's unfortunate, but probably best to plan to do something around your DH's job or take career break.