A question for SAHM's

[emkana]

If you're asked (by a doctor for example) "Do you work?", what do you answer?

If you have to fill out a form, what do you put down for occupation?

Hows it insulting to carers? I am also a carer - full time for my 90 year old mother, which is the real reason I stay at home. Didn't mention it before as it would have spoilt my post

However I hate being called a carer, it is so patronising. I would rather it was applied to anyone who stays at home and holds the fort. Looking after kids is being a carer is it not?

Hows about fort-holder?

this whole thread is populated by people who are miffed at being asked whether they work

looking after small children is a walk in the park compared to being a carer, which it seems to me is pretty much the most awful and thankless task on earth

oh fgs MP we were just having a laugh (most of us)

i dont get miffed

i am actually really proud

its the person asking who usually is lost for words, i just grin broadly

hah - I see chips aplenty.

and I like provoking sahms, they have so much mental energy to spare for a fight

i ssay im a sahm, dont see a problem, i couldnt leave dd at home while i worked (unless i had to really badly) but we cant afford for me to work, as we cant afford for childcare, so im the childcare and very happy that way!!

Only followed this thread in the beginning but have skimmed the rest (curious to read more but want to say this first).
Someone said "what's wrong with housewife?" well i'm not married so i can't say that cani?

MP whats up?

bored and itching for a fight?

I hadn't heard the term SAHM before mumsnet

i dont owkr
and am proud not to
whatts he cachet?

Yes have to say i'm not oaning either, i am very proud to do what i do

yes, yes, yes, yes but it is still very hard to know what word or phrase to use. And nothing really fits the bill.
This is a fun thread but if a new term for sahm comes out of it I for one will be pleased.

Have to say I don't understand why you SAHM are paying NI contrivutions - you don't need to - if you are in receipt og Child benefit you ger Home Responsibilities Protection which credits you with NI contributions.

You're wasting your money

see \link{http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/atoz/atozdetailed/homeres.asp\here}

Thanks iota, you have made my day. I had no idea national insurance came with child benefit.
I am not paying it and thought I was missing out. In fact it was my question for David Cameron, no wonder he ignored it. Suppose I shouls have checked up on my facts first.

pleased to help QW

more info \link{http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/leaflets/nic.htm\here} leaflet CA5603 (pdf file)

actaully CA 93 I think

Just thought, iota, should I check to be sure that I have been getting Home Responsibilities Protection? Would I have had to apply? I worked part-time for a few years so was it all taken care of automatically when I started and stopped?
I get carers allowance at the moment and know I get NI paid with that but am a bit worried about before that.
Sorry to highjack the thread but it seems this might be useful to a lot of sahms.

tthe pensions website says its automatic - but I suppose you could always check by asking for a pension forecast

Can I get it?

Do you get:

* Child Benefit in your name for a child under the age of 16, and you have told us your National Insurance number? Find out more about Child Benefit on the HM Revenue & Customs website
* Income Support and do not need to register for work, because you are caring for someone who is sick or disabled? Find out more about Income Support on the Jobcentre Plus website

If you receive one of the above, you should get HRP automatically.

and this re carers:

Or are you:

* regularly spending at least 35 hours a week looking after someone who is getting Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance at the middle or highest rate for personal care, or Constant Attendance Allowance? (These links will take you to the Directgov website.)
* a registered foster carer throughout a full tax year and are not receiving Child Benefit and are not in paid work, or do not earn enough in a tax year for it to count towards the basic State Pension (below £4,004 in the 2003/04 tax year).

If YES to one or both of the above, you should apply for HRP.

to top
What else should I know?

If you get Carers Allowance you will get NI credits and will not usually need HRP.
Find out more about Carers Allowance on the Directgov website

Thanks iota, that has been very useful. I might just check with them.

Lockets - the way state pensions are going I think I'd rather put my money under my matress (just my humble opinion)

hey! who's moaning?
not me.
and you may rest assured that NOONE is "paying for me to stay at home"

(I think it's that pesky bloody proddy work ethic again. responsible for a lot of misery that thing.)