HELP!!! Returning back to work

[vanillaicecream99]

Hi all,

I'm feeling a bit stuck and in a limbo. My DD is 2 years old so I've been a SAHM for the past 2 years, my partner is working but recently his hours have been cut so instead of working full-time he is only working 4 days per week. UC have recently asked me to start looking for jobs as his hours have been cut, I don't mind this as I have been wanting to get back to work anyways, however what I find a bit frustrating is not really having much support for childcare as I am only able to access all of the schemes after I have been offered placement at work or have started to work.

I don't see the point of me looking for work now as my DD doesn't have a placement in nursery currently. I'm trying to navigate this as best as I can but it's quite difficult. I'm sorry if I'm just rambling on but just wanted to hear some advice from people that have been in the same predicament as me.

Thank you!!!

You can get the 30 hours of funded childcare from September if you start work by 30 September and you each earn £183/ week.

I presume the way to sort it would be to claim the 15 hours of free childcare (which you'd be eligible for since you claim UC, if your household income is under £15,400 not including benefit payments). Then, when you find a job, you can apply for the working parents free childcare under a change of circumstances. Help paying for childcare: Free education and childcare for 2-year-olds if you claim certain benefits - GOV.UK

This except the earnings amount has increased in line with national minimum wage so you and your partner will be need to be earning £194 per week in paid employment to get the working family funded hours