Hello, my husband and I are about to become parents for the first time. My husband is severely physically disabled and whilst he will be able to interact with our child through some adaptions he won’t be able to look after our child on his own so I will be looking after most of the child care. Thankfully he is able to work (as a freelancer) so will be the only income provider for the family.
One of our concerns is how I am able to get a break from the childcare so I can have some ‘me time’. In many ways it’s almost like I’m a (physical) single parent doing all the tasks, with the added responsibility of being one of his carers too.
Does anyone have any recommendations / advice on any support that is out there? As soon to be first time parents we don’t know of any support we may be eligible for.
For example I believe some people may be eligible for free childcare but don’t know what age that starts at/eligibility for this.
My husband receives higher rate living and motoring disability support from the DWP. But he doesn’t get support from adult services (we decided to break from them as it was a bit too restrictive around his care needs. However we weren’t looking to become parents at that time so don’t know if they can help?)
I have taken a break from working at the moment but don’t receive any carers allowance as I do his care for free.
Any advice is most welcomed - as it’s a mindfield trying to see what support may be there for us.
Thank you in advance!