Can I get free childcare if I do not work?
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All children should be eligible..
@Zoe no he ain’t in the picture
@Sarah should or are ? My son is 1 x
Yeah.. your son is eligible for free childcare.. you need to find a nursery and apply on the childcare gov website x
@Sarah When I was looking it says only working parents , is it 15 hours?x
This might be useful for you. Have a read through it x https://www.gov.uk/free-childcare-if-working/check-youre-eligible
You can if not working but the options are limited. Are you on UC? I may be wrong as we aren't on it but I think they contribute towards childcare costs if not working?
@Zoe yeah I am on uc x
I got 15 free hours from when my son turned 2, don’t have to be working. In my area it was called “flying start funding” at this age I wouldn’t think you would be eligible for anything right now x
@Sarah that’s not true, the 15 or 30 hours funding is for parents who work atleast 16 hours a week at minimum wage. Universal credit will only pay childcare costs back if the parent is employed no matter the wage
Just wanted to say, no judgement here! Going to work feels like a bit of a break in a strange way, for me! There is no way I could cope with being a stay at home Mum full time, it’s a bloody hard job, so you absolutely deserve a break x
That's why I said should be eligible.. I'm not on UC, but you should be able to access some support as a single mummy.. check with your JCP, speak to nurseries.. give them a call and ask.. I hope you can figure it out..
@Jen I agree. Going to work is a break. Everyone needs some time off to be themselves not just mum. it's so hard cxc
I dont know if it helps , I'm on uc as I left my previous job a few years back , Anyways just before my son turned 2. The council sent me a letter stating his entitlement for 15hrs free nursery, the only thing is it has to be a term time only some private nurseries carry the scheme some dont! So you have to do lots of hunting around, Also if it's a private nursery some add on extra fees / deposits etc , so my best suggestion is contact your local council , they should actually give you a list of eligible nursery / child minder in your area. Now I think about it. i haven't had any letters suggesting any entitlement for my daughter for any free hours 🤔 ..... which makes me think they're not entitled to any free hours yet.... My sons nursery also told me the 30hrs entitlement is only for working parents , As for the 9months old scheme as i say I'm not 100% sur🤔 I'm planning to return to work next year when LG is 1 and my LB starts school. X
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You can do a lot of research online. It would seem that your little one is too young right now but may be entitled when they turn 2. Have you considered finding a part time job? That may change whether you are eligible for childcare. https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/free-childcare-2-year-olds-claim-benefits#:~:text=step%20by%20step-,Free%20education%20and%20childcare%20for%202%2Dyear%2Dolds%20if%20you,guaranteed%20element%20of%20Pension%20Credit https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/universal-credit
Your child needs to be 3 I believe if you are not working but speak to your gp they may be able to help
Only free childcare is for 2 year olds on UC, for 9 months on and 30 hours from 3 & 4 years, you have to be working, otherwise for the 9 months onwards if it was free we would’ve all got the free childcare flyer through the post by now like they do for 15 hours after turning 2
Do you have a partner that works? Xx