Struggling Financially
I have been on maternity leave for the past year, and for the last three months, I have had no income aside from Child Benefit and my Universal Credit standard allowance. I am now due to return to work, but I am struggling to cover the upfront childcare costs required to secure my child’s place at nursery.
I have contacted Universal Credit regarding a Budgeting Advance and the Flexible Support Fund, but I was told I do not qualify due to returning to the same job. This has left me in a very difficult position, despite a clear change in my financial circumstances.
If you have any advice of where I can go for help with upfront cost for childcare, please let me know.
Thank you 🙏🏾😊
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I was in a similar situation. After many telephone calls one of the staff advised me to say that I am not able to return to work as I cannot pay the nursery fees and to ask for advanced FSF. They did not give it to me at the end but I guess it depends on the person that is dealing with your query? I returned to the same work as you
Have you considered a childminder? They’re more likely to expect payment at the end of weeks/months than upfront?
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No advice but right there with you, we've got his first 2 months worth of nursery Bill before I've been paid, don't even get universal credit. Can you talk to the nursery and ask if they can wait a little while longer if you are due pay soon or have been fairly understanding