So I can get family to look after my kids before/after school for 38 weeks so I can complete the PGDE to train as a secondary teacher. And then their mother and me can sort childcare between us, between my family and after/before school clubs so I can work as a teacher. But at the moment my youngest is in nursery so I can’t work – I couldn’t get a job well enough paid to cover travel and childcare even if I wanted to work. If I was a teacher I could though as they pay well (compared to minimum wage). Next academic year my youngest will be in primary.
The problem is, if I do the PGDE, I’m really unsure if I’ll still get income support and housing benefit, as the rules are confusing.
I can’t afford to do the PGDE with no income. The rules state that if you’re a single parent you may be able to claim while studying full time. But the university isn’t sure, the benefits office aren’t sure and just say that you have to apply at the time and they’ll make a decision and can’t make a decision in advance. I can’t just embark on a PGDE and then wait to see if I have to drop out or not as soon as I start.
Does anyone have any idea about this?
Tried ringing my local benefit advice charity and while they tried their best I got the impression they’re there to help people who really don’t know how to read or use a computer and know less about benefits than me.