Universal credit for childcare

[mum2be99]

Hi all! Just wondering if anyone has gone on benefits following maternity leave due to childcare reasons/wanting to spend more time with your children?

Don't want judgement or anything here, but I'm pregnant with my second and looking at all options and other people's experiences. It might not be appropriate I go back to work while my kids are still so young and also if childcare won't be an option. I would not like to put my child in nursery before the age of 2.

I know it's not straightforward but I'm looking to see how others have made it work (as people clearly do)

Thank you in advance :)

The childcare funding in place is for working parents, where both parents work. Same with any help from universal for childcare costs.

For universal credit yourself, you need to apply for it in the unusual way and whether you get it will depend on your household income.

What are the rules around maternity pay in your job? Is it an option to go back and put your child in nursery for a while so that you can get maternity pay again?

I'm looking to currently move jobs. So might just get Maternity Allowance.

It's more that I don't want to go back to work until my youngest is 2, so I'll have a year to find money for.

Hubbys wage is decent but unable to cover bills so unsure whether I'd qualify

It will have to be a joint claim. Technically you can claim UC and not be expected to work until your child is 3 but you will be expected to prepare for work when they are 1.

It may be that your husband’s income is too high for you to qualify- do a benefit calculation.

UC can help towards childcare costs as long as you are both working.

deductions are made depending on earnings.

You don’t have to go back to work at all. Many women become SAHMs after children. It’s just a question whether you would qualify for any UC as it depends on your husband’s income or whether he earns enough to support the family.

This is why many women have no choice but to go back to work after children, because they can’t afford it otherwise.

Check the online calculators to see if you’d get any UC, but keep in mind it’s unlikely you’ll get any childcare support for when your oldest turn 2 and you want to send to nursery. You either need to be on very low income, which won’t be the case if your husband is working, or both of you need to be working.

Just done it hypothetically and it says I'll get a little. It might get us by but unsure. It could be an option, at least until this one is 2.

Unless you want to go back to work for yourself, it’s a numbers game ultimately.

But as I said, make sure you factor in how you intend to fund nursery from 2 years old and also if you need to register for a nursery now so you have a place should you want it.