Can I claim?

[zorak]

No, you can't claim as this seems to be his residential address ie. he has no other home.

Working/not working is a choice you just have to make. What about working non-traditional hours when your partner is available?

Also, something to think about is that while 60gbp a week may seem low that is 240gbp a month, that is almost half of some people's rent. Additionally, working now means you keep your toe on the career ladder so when eventually LO starts nursery/school you have a greater earning potential than someone who stayed home and lost those years in terms of experience.

 

[Kanichen34]

How about looking into something like Avon/betterware/kleeneze which you could do from home in the day with LO?

 

[supertabby]

You're not single. Just because he works away doesn't mean the same as he isn't living with you - that's his home address and presumably he is paying towards the bills? My husband has to work away a lot but we still have to pay the mortgage, everyone has a home address that they're responsible for and how much time they spend there is regardless. Maybe chat to the benefits office to see if there is any other help.

Re working for £13 a day - when I go back to work after maternity leave and am paying 2 lots of childcare etc, I'll bring home £12 a day. Long term career aspirations aside, I'd much rather be at home with my children. If you have a choice that's great but if you can't make ends meet without that £13 a day you may have to do it.

 

[catty]

If you are genuinelly only going to make £13 a day id look into surveys/mystery shopping and even though it would be embarrasing a paper round. All of these take minimal time for probably the same money

 

[Shortstuff88]

Definitely look into working tax credits. You would be eligible for these if you are returning to work. However the threshold is £26k income. That is for you and your partners income though so if together you would both earn over that you won't qualify unfortunately. Does your husband's employer or your employer give childcare vouchers? You could then use these to subsidise your childcare while working. If they don't suggest it to them as it actually benefits the employer to give out childcare vouchers, it's got something to do with national insurance. It would mean taking say a grand off your overall wage but as it isn't taxed you actually earn more because you would receive the full grand rather than say only £700.

 

[Blah11]

He contributes to the household and his home is there so you're not single :/

 

[Blah11]

& after reading replies I agree with the others. If you don't have enough money to live on you have to sacrifice something whether it be the tv/internet/contract phones etc or a bit of time with your boy.
Nursery isn't that bad. Both my kids love it and it does wonders for their social development

 

[Pearls18]

Little bit shocked by this thread.....I know it's inconvenient your partner working away in terms of rent but I assume he is doing so to earn money....which pays for the house? You will be saving money in him not being there using utilities if that's a help. If you need money, you go to work, I know it sucks ass that compromises have to be made such as not seeing your boy very often, but that's parenthood for you. My husband works away at times (I find we actually save money because he doesn't eat us out of house and home ha) and I find working really helps keep me busy when I am lonely, and then the added bonus of my wages means we have money to make the most of the time when he is home. I don't think £13 a day is something to be scoffed at personally, if you want to stay home (which is understandable too) it has to be something you manage for yourself, not have other people fund it.

 

[Noo]

I'd like an extra £13 a day please!

 

[My_First]

Honestly I didn't want to say anything but this thread is what is wrong with our benefit system and attitudes towards it. It's purpose is to help in emergencies, not to fund a lifestyle choice.