My first job

[Samw91]

Hello, im from the uk and a single mum to 3 children. Iv just signed the contract to my first job which il be doing 16hours or i can do more. Now what do i do? iv rang income auppoet and told them and all they have said that my income support will now stop. But im worried about child care, how do i get child care for my 3 children they are age 8, 5 and 3? Il be starting next monday. And im also worried about my housing benifit. Any advice will be very appreciated 😊

Hi Samw91,

I'm unsure about child care but I know that your housing benefit payment will be adjusted as you work. If you can worried about what to do, pop and speak to your local council, they are usually very helpful. If not, Citizens Advice Bureau will be able to advise you.

I hope you find the answers you need ☺️

K xx

Have a look at a website called 'entitled to' if you put all your details in it should tell you about any benefits you could be entitled to claim. I believe childcare is usually claimed via tax credits but you need to be using a registered provider.
Sorry I have no idea re the housing benefit, in some areas they've introduced universal credit but again the website should tell you if that's in effect in your area.

Hiya! Stressful isn't it! Between 16-24 hours are classed as part time so just be careful as you will have to back pay tax credits.. as for housing benefit you should still get housing benefit but make sure you tell them the change of circumstances just incase it does effect it slightly. Childcare is free for 30 hours I think now? But if not you can actually get help where the government pay 70% of the bill. I hope that's a little bit of help for you! -A fellow mommy working part time with two kids x

Your local Family Information Service can help with providing a list of registered childminder's and nurseries. Do you live near relatives who could provide childcare for free/low cost?

There is the childcare element of working tax credit (and something similar if on Universal Credit) which can help pay towards cost of childcare but it is capped. With three children your childcare cost is likely to exceed the cap. Look at HMRC booklets WTC2 and WTC5.

Childcare providers are likely to want payment in advance, so consider how you would be able to do that... any close family who can loan you some money?