How to manage financially?

[northerngirl]

So I've just become a single parent and have no idea how I'm going to earn money and take care of my 9 month old.
My mum could probably have him 1, 2 days a week max but what do I do on the other days when I need to work?
I'm only on minimum wage so I couldn't afford for him to go to nursery.
Is there such a thing as government sponsered nursery places?
How do other people cope?

 

[Applepie]

Im pretty certain there is a childcare element to tax credits, so they would pay for a good chunk of the cost x

 

[Shepherdess]

There are vouchers available to help cover the costs as a form of tax credit. Sorry you're going through this, my Lo is 8 months and if I suddenly found myself single I'd be lost and devastated

 

[Loula]

Go onto entitled to website because I'm sure you'd get tax credits and help with rent etc.
Can you go part time at work.
I went back when little one was 8 months old and did 2 to 3 days a week so little one only went to nursery on days I worked.
It's hard but possible x

 

[northerngirl]

Thank you all for responses, I currently work part time and do also recieve child tax credits so I'm gonna contact CAB and find out of they will be affected and how xo

 

[IratxeMartinez]

In the UK you get paid in your maternity leave which is 6 months. Can be up to a year with less pay tho! I don't know about the rest but I know for me, being a nurse at the NHS (national health system) I get free childcare at my hospital's nursery, tho I am a bit concerned about the opening times as I work 12 hours shifts but I am sure I will be able to get an arrangement with my boss to get out on time to pick up my future baby (I finish my shift at 20:30, same time the nursery closes). Also here you get quite a good monetary support from the goverment... You also get prenatal vitamins, dentist care and other stuff!

 

[Mummylumps]

Hi, I have been a single mum for 4 years, soon to do it again with another!

Nursery was the biggest struggle for me, but it is doable. My mum has her 1 day, she is in nursery 2 days, I work part time, you get top ups with tax credits, I get a bit towards my rent.

I won't lie, it has been a massive struggle in the past but I feel I am kind of on top of it now. Then have another due in Jan and have to do it all again lol x