I really need a hug and advice..

[hawalkden]

I had everything set for September. To start university full time i found a nursery that had places for both my children, so I applied for student finance whilst waiting i got the university letter saying I had a place and the enrollment date, i was feeling more and more positive and today i got the letter of doom!

Student finance saying i can't get my childcare grant at all due to childtax of £120 a week for both children and they needed my new tax credits letter before being able to process the rest of the finance out.

After a mini cry thinking that's it i phoned up SF out and explained what i got through and they just repeated it all back to me saying they can only off me the parents allowance which ranges from £50-1500 and that is given in three installments termly. I then mentioned that i haven't received my new tax credit claims yet. it could be till mid June I'm waiting for they said on the phone that when i get it and send the information needed and i'm able to get any money/help it'll be mid November i'd get anything. Due to term time giving of the money.

So once off the phone i cried and now im crying typing this because i dont have a clue what to do. SF think that i can pay for my childcare it's £300 a week for both of them full time and on one wage from OH and the £120 a week won't cover it at all so I don't know what to do with my life. I had the university course set in mind to being working with local Governments etc and now even thinking i have to get a part time job it's only going to be paying someone to look after the children.

I use to be a nursery nurse before having the children so i dont want to work part time in a nursery in one room whilst paying the company the fees for them to pay me a wage what wont even cover the wage.

I just don't know what to do right now. I was looking forward so much to being a student and having a bit of the mummy title taken off me for the day whilst at the same time getting a new career new start.

Now i'm in minus square one because of childcare and if working a wage just paying for someone else to care for my children when i've done it for the last 19 months for free.

Any tips etc

Thanks

 

[shirlls]

I am really sorry to hear this. Reading about your situation just makes me even more sickened at this country than I already am. You try to better yourself and there is never any financial help available to do it. Child care costs are through the roof and it is almost impossible for mothers to work who want to work or study, something really needs to be done to help us mothers who want to work or study.

I honestly can't think what to suggest, have you spoke with someone at student finance properly, can't they suggest anything at all? I know debt is rarely a good option, but could you even get a student loan for your course?

Good luck, hope you get something sorted out x

 

[aimee-lou]

Is it the childcare element of WTC or is it just the WTC on it's own that they've got the issues with? you can't claim the childcare element, instead you claim the ccg through them. It's all assessed through a different set of forms so I'm confused what their issue is.

Just a bit of background - my hubby is a student. Before leaving work when my 2nd was born I worked 30 hours a week. We claimed CTC and WTC through me, but we didn't claim childcare element. We filled in the CCG forms each semester and got 85% of it back the next semester. Unless they've changed it since (which is entirely possible as it's been a year since we did a claim) then you should be eligible. Does you have a partner supporting your application? Could it be to do with their income? Could they do some digging and see if they can get some childcare vouchers or something through their employer?

Other option.....could you find a CM who would be willing to take both as they're normally cheaper and more flexible than nurseries anyway. I used to use a CM - plus if you do use the CCG system, then it's simpler with a CM as you can simply get them to fill out the forms rather than having to give them to admin departments etc.

Personally, I would be quite forceful. I would try to get a real 'why' reason as to why they've said no to a grant which is/should be separate from your main bulk of your loans and grants.

Just done some digging - the website says this

Who can’t apply
You can’t get Childcare Grant:

if you’re a part-time student
if you or your partner are claiming the childcare element of Working Tax Credits
to cover free childcare - including the free care that all 3 and 4 year olds are entitled to (15 hours a week)
if your child is cared for by a relative or your partner mainly in the child’s home

PM if you have any other questions