Redundancy & Childcare Funding
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@Becky it's horrible isn't it! I feel like we're always stuck in the middle. We're not poor enough to qualify for any help but we're not well off enough to not feel the impact of a change like this. I'll have to use savings too which is so defeating when I've worked hard to save that up for our future, not an unforeseen event like this. Most of my savings have also gone on surviving mat leave so I don't even have much left. I think I'll end up in debt paying for childcare x
It's so frustrating isn't it! And trying to find a job which pays enough to cover the cost of childcare is impossible when you don't qualify for UC. I got made redundant in January so spent most of my mat leave stressing about money :( x
@Becky it's so hard! Aw no that's awful for you! I was called in two weeks before I was due to return to be told. Came completely out of the blue! X
I think there is some “grace period” - so it’s not instant. Research that. Alternatively - not sure what field you are in but do some freelance work. The bar for income eligibility is very low - something like 9k a year. Good luck. This sucks doesn’t it? Xxx
Oh gawd! I was lucky to have a few months prior warning so I could get my head straight. Feel free to message me if you want. All my maternity leave friends have gone back to work now and I feel a bit useless 😅 it is hard mentally! X
@Kasia ah thanks for that, will have a look! I can't freelance with my work unfortunately xx
@Becky yeah it was all very quick! It's a weird horrible situation to be in isn't it! Oh I will message you, thank you x
If you’re now unemployed and don’t have an income would you not now qualify for Universal Credit?? I’m employed part time and still receive UC meaning I get up to 80% of my childcare fees back which could be something you could look at even if you are only entitled to minimum personal allowance Atleast you may still be eligible for the 80% x
@Elisha unfortunately not as it goes on household income and savings so with my partner's funds included it puts me over the threshold for UC x
No advice but just wanted to say I'm in the same boat too! It absolutely sucks, I didn't realise how little help is available :( I'm using my savings to pay for my little one's childcare and getting as much freelance work as I can. Just wanted you to know you aren't alone x