Husbands job and SMP finished! Tax credits advice?

[Betsyboop1]

Hi everyone.. so my husbands job ended at end of March and as I go back to work at beginning of July after 12 months maternity leave I'm now at the point of being paid diddly squat for 3 months!
Even though he was working part time my husband is also just finishing his degree so classed as a full time student also.
I've notified tax credits we have no income at present. So do you think we will be entitled to the free 2 year childcare for my toddler now? Anyone else been in this position or a tax credits expert? As no idea what new award will say!
Thanks in advance!

Yes if you are claiming any of those benefits/low income you will get free 15hrs the term after your dc is 2 ...you can also use it for a childminder if you find one that takes the 2yr old funding.

Your first step with tax credits is here
www.gov.uk/tax-credits-calculator

however if you are in a universal credit area it is all wrapped together.
it maybe better for your dh to apply if his course is finished and he is no longer a student - either way though you will be treated as a joint claim and will probably need to go to the job centre

www.gov.uk/universal-credit/overview

You will be seen as being in work even if with 0 wages....

either way it is unlikely to be quick.....and the 2yr old funding comes after the benefits are sorted out as it is that system they check for eligibility....

the 'expectation' will be that your dh gets another job asap and you go back to work even if full time

Why on earth would you need childcare if not even working.

You may want 12 months off but the reality is you can't afford it so one of you needs to step up and quickly.

Really can't see any judgemental responses. Just sensible advice. It would be nice to stay off a year in your situation (similar to me - I plan to take nearly 11 months but my dh is working and earns a good salary. If he lost his job and couldn't get a new one i'd go back to work asap and he could do childcare while looking for a new job). But it's not going to be possible now is it?

Why is the default choice 'how do I get benefits' rather than 'I was going back to work in three months but it now makes sense for my husband to care for the children and I will return to my job early'?

Rorty - Because the choice is there, so people will abuse it.