melbo

hey hey,
So hubby and I are currently saving a little each month, and are hoping to have about 5 k saved up in 12 months time, which will help massively if by then we have a sprog, but it will only cover my half of the rent for 6 months, so then what? Do i go back to work? If so, what kind of childcare discounts will i get if any? What if i didnt go back to work after 6 months and had a year off, where would I stand benefit wise? Hubby is only on 18k a year, and had 200 quids worth of debts to pay each month so he could not support us on his own. Im thinking i dont have alot of choice but to return to work after 6 months
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toriaaaaTRASH

I don't think you'd get childcare help. I think you have to earn less than 16,000 a year collectively. I'm not an expert though..

bigbelly2

hi ya

you would get help with your half on that salary your joint income has to be less than 66k a year if you hav ea baby under one or 52 or 58k if your baby os over one, if you fit that criteria then you will qualify for working tax credit and childs tax credit depending on your childcare as in *they must be registered* then you are able to get up2 80% of the cost paid for...

go onto google and type in "tax credits do i qualify" there are about 10 questions all easy stuff and there will be a quick estimate on there of how much you get

hope this helps

h x

rafwife

Have you calculated how much child benefit you'll be on, and anything extra that you qualify for?

Have a look at the Child Tax Credit

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTax...its/DG_4015478

and Child Benefits

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/...ey/DG_10016699

Also, you may not have to return to work full time. Is part time or casual work an option for you? Have a look here for childcare help and tax credits for childcare.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Childcare/index.htm

http://www.worksmart.org.uk/

http://www.childcarelink.gov.uk/

Even if you have to return to work part time you can still get help. Plus, if you don't have family around to help, au pairs or live in nannies can be a much cheaper option than nursey/day care.

melbo

Thankyou for your help ladies, i will look into the links and see what my options are you bunch of stars you! x