not going back to work

[steph2013]

Sorry for the long one.
I am currently on maternity leave and would love to go back to work in January and it is definitely my first option. However this may not be an option as I cant drive and where my work is situated it isn't possible to drop my daughter off at nursery and then get to work and return from work and pick her up on time by getting the bus. The only way this is possible is if she goes to nursery full time and I work part time which obviously when it comes to money wouldn't be feasible.
I am trying to pass my driving test before I have to return but if not I need to know if I can claim benefits.
I am however going back to university in September so it would only be for 9 months and I wouldn't even try and get Job seekers allowance.
I do have an appointment with citizens but I just wanted some information quick to either reassure or worry me.
I think I read something about you can get benefits if you quit your job to look after a child under 5 but that could be wrong.
I would be grateful for any information and thank you for reading.

I'm sorry, I don't know about the benifit side, but a couple of questions that might help you find a different solution to working, and making it pay!
Would a childminder be an option to look after your child?
Would / could work shift your hours so you could make the bus? Or work a smaller number of full days?
Is your childs father around? Could he drop off at nursery, and you start early, allowing you to finish early enough to get the bus?
Is there a different nursery next to work, which would allow you to do the early pick up?
Good luck with your journey, whatever you do.

thank you for your reply but I have looked at all other options. father is around but he works 8- 6 which is the time the nursery is open. there are no other nursery on route unfortunately.
The childminder option is a possibility, its just that you have to do quals and I don't really have time to do that and then go back to uni anyway in sept. I might be looking after another child until then for a friend but I need to look into the benefits just in case.
thank you again.

Unless you are on a very low household income and have little savings (ie you are a lone parent or dh/p very low pay) you won't get Income Support. Would taxis for all or part of the pick up/drop off be an option , or sharing with dh/dp or a friend/relative. Are there no other nurseries or cm's nearer your home or work?

I mean use a cm as an alternative to nursery rather than become one btw.

what do you class as very low income??

here or you could try www.entitledto. The threshold is pretty low and you may still be expected to look for work.

Its highly unlikely you will be entitled to benefits. If your Dh is working full-time then effectively he will be expected to support you.
You can't just decide to be as sahm and claim benefits or we would all do it.

don't be so rude, you have read this and my first option is to return to work but I am checking out other options.

I think looking for a childminder close to home is probably your best bet. If you post on your Mumsnet Local site someone might be able to recommend someone.

I wasn't being rude for goodness sake. I was merely pointing out why its unlikely you can claim benefits. I didn't say that was your plan.

What is your partner's salary? That will determine if you are eligible for any financial assistance, there are various things you may be able to claim but they are all based on household income.

You may be able to get 6 months "contributions based" JSA if you can't get "income based" benefits. You'd need to be looking for work in that case though.

Not sure she'd get even that immediately if she resigns.