Can’t afford child care and can’t afford not to work

Are you UK based?

Are you entitled to UC?
Do you qualify for the funded hours- how old is your child?
Have you taken into account tax free childcare?
Do you have someone else who could watch your child whilst you work?
If you have a partner, could you work opposite shifts which could reduce the need for as much childcare?
Have you looked into childminders? As they’re usually cheaper than nurseries.

If you are based in Ontario you can find a subsidized daycare and apply for additional benefits to help pay for it.

yes based in UK but don’t qualify for UC as I earn just above the threshold. Baby is 4 months at the moment and planning to return to work after he turns 9 months.

Try a childminder, they are cheaper

September 2025, they are rolling out 30 funded hours for 9 months and above - many nurseries may stretch funding to accommodate for half terms which means u will only get 22 hours per week.

Have u looked into tax free childcare?

Go onto the childcare choices website! 😊

I had to work to get the funding - seems so backward but helps

You will be eligible for the 15, soon 30 hours, plus tax free childcare (although note it is capped).

You can give your wage to Chat GPT, and estimate of childcare costs, and ask it what options you have and what’s best - eg. Full time work, part time, give up work and get benefits.

Do you have any family members you ask to help out a-bit

I feel you, don't be embarassed. It is honestly a joke.

Working parents are entitled to 15 or 30 hours of funded nursery time xx

I agree with . You could even give childcare support a call and see what you could be entitled too x

I work two days in the office full time (put her in nursery these days) and get 10 hours funded a week along with tax free childcare. I then work from home 3 days a week, WITH my toddler at home (finish at 230 so not such a long day) with me and honestly, if I didn’t do that, I couldn’t afford it either.

I have worked at my company for almost 10 years though and know the job inside out and I’m used to working with her there now, although it is tough sometimes. It is what it is, otherwise she’ll be in nursery full time where I don’t get to see her and also not be able to afford it anyway.

Why don’t you become a childminder? I had the same issue and now incan be with my girl all the time whilst getting paid

Hey lovely, if you’re in the UK look into funded hours for working parents. They cover 30 hours from September and you can also get it tax free (save £2000) per year on top.

The funded hours and government 20% top up help. That halves our nursery bill.