OK so I have always worked my adult life even whilst training I worked part time, the only time I haven't is when I have been unwell and never received a benefit for that as I refused to quit my uni course.
Here is the situation, me and my partner didn't plan my DD despite her being our absolute world. Now we are living with my mum paying 300 a month for food/bills. I work in the NHS but decided to switch my job at 20 weeks pregnant for better Career prospects (silly now I know) so only recieve maternity allowance.
My partner is contracted to three days a week soon to be four hopefully! My DD is 15 weeks and the day is looming were I will need to go back to work but I worked out that it I go back on a part time basis I will only be earning 800 odd a month! Don't no how this will cover childcare and car bills and insurance and pay for my petrol to and from work not to mention the day she gets too big and we have to look for accommodation as my partner will need to pay bills and rent. Am I better being on universal credit than I am going back part time? Are any other mums in the same boat? What benefits do you recieve? . Between me and him we earn 21000 a year which is barely even a livable wage for one person tbh.
It's such a worry I am not averse to hard work I changed my job for a better future but I am not returning to work just so my money can go on someone else looking after my child instead of me. Thanks in advance for any responses.