would like to give up work and become a SAHM- how can i find out what monies i'm entitled to?

[kittyandthefontanelles]

I'm afraid I'm clueless and in need of advice. It seems to be very confusing. How can I find out what state help I might be entitled to? Currently get child benefit. Thanks in advance.

Really? Well yes that's really helpful, thank you. That's through a tax credit application then? Thanks for your advice and stories everyone.

Blimey thesecondcoming! What an experience! Good luck with your poncery! (I picture a 15th century ruff with that word!) X-posted I believe is the expression, my last was for rock chick. Thank you for the link, popoozle. Do you mean what my income would be if I gave up work?

The concept of tax credits is great - a recognition that parenthood is work, too, and impacts on your earning power, and that children are an investment in the future. However, actually getting them can be a bit of a minefield, tread carefully and do all your research so they don't either refuse you when you are entitled, or overpay you hugely and then suddenly demand thousands back within seven days.

It's also not a bad idea, if you are the SAHP, to explore the world of part-time, freelance work, which you are allowed to do if you are SAHP and (up to a point) on JSA without having your money cut.

Solidgoldbrass-what?! Oh my...they can do that? Now I'm scared. I wouldn't know how to go about making sure they were right. I'd just assume they know what they are doing. (Must try harder!) Not sure what you mean about freelance work and jsa. Surely I can't get jsa if I'm a sahm because I'm not actively looking for work, I'm taking a career break?

OK I am a bit crap at working out this stuff for people who are couples but I think there is at least some provision for working part-time and getting tax credit as parents. Check on the Entitledto website.

Now known as Turn2us

Oh right...er...I thought that was a dig earlier....as in 'opwantstobepaidtobeamum.com'. Oops, see I REALLY don't know what's going on at all. Thanks all for your suggestions, busy day tomorrow chasing it all up. Sorry to the pp who first suggested the website.

LOL, see why you thought it was a dig, also see why they name-changed! Good luck.

Mumsnet has spoilt that word for everyone! Thanks

Im a SAHM and dont get anything (except child benefit)

it had never occured to me i might be entitled to anything else, but i doubt i am as OH is a higher rate tax payer

Nannyl. It might be worth a look though? Depends what the threshold is. I phoned dwp today but they were on strike.

"I gave up a high paid job to be a SAHM.....the best thing I have ever done. We get child tax credit and child benefit it depends on your partners salary (if you have one) we are only about £200 worse off per month"

And there, in a nutshell, we have the country going to hell in a handcart... Jesus Fucking Wept.

No

What did you mean, AkhalTeke?

Shit- don't let Liz Jones see this...

sigh.

ok, longer quote.

"I gave up a high paid job to be a SAHM.....the best thing I have ever done. We get child tax credit and child benefit it depends on your partners salary (if you have one) we are only about £200 worse off per month but taking into account paying for childminders we are actually £300 per month better off per month taking into account 2 children in daycare."

you see? FORGETTING ABOUT CHILDCARE, tax credits can make you only £200 a month less well off than a full time HIGH PAID job. so, if you don't fancy any of that 'work' stuff, you needn't bother. I didn't include the childcare bit, as I wanted to emphasise the ridiculousness of it before you have to take childcare into account.

Ha ha, because I expect that that posters idea of a highly paid job and my idea of a highly paid job (which I have) might be a little different

Well I'll be giving up a high paid job and we will be £1500/month worse off and will be living hand to mouth. Does that make you feel better?

Er, what on earth are you on about? Are you just being smug? That's really helpful.

No. but it makes a lot more sense. Good luck.

Yes, there are problems with tax credits (at least in ethical terms) being a way for large companies to pay shit wages. But, on the other hand, they are a sign of recognition that looking after children is work, and it's also a contribution to society. Children need looking after, and the person who is looking after them needs an income. Hardly rocket science, is it?