CSA or Private Arrangement ?

Ladybelle, you need to put all your questions to someone from the tax credit helpline, as they will be able to answer your queries. 08453 003 900
As for finding a childminder, try your local Social Services Dept, as they will have a list of all the registered childminders in your area. they should also have some guidelines on how to choose a childminder. or your sister could ask her friends, and see if one of them could reccomend a childminder?

Ruby

Also your local council website will list all registered child minders, nurseries and before/after school and school holiday clubs in your area. And remember children get older and less dependant in time better to get a foot in the career door now than wait many years later and feel even more alienated from the work environment.
Most areas have adult courses especially designed for people who are returning to work after long breaks and they are very helpful.

Once work is found a new routine will establish, confidence will build and a fuller life with self purpose will prevail.

Thing is though, from a personal point of view - she is my main carer for taking me out and about since my own husband left last year I am afraid of losing her now, and my ability to get into town or do anything if she starts working, as it is highly unlikely she will be able to get a job the same hours that I do, so we could still have our normal routine I dont know how I am going to cope myself any more - and she is in a state herself worrying how she will manage, it's all such a mess

Does she get carers allowence for looking after you ? she can earn upto £80 pw before the carers allowence gets taken into account ? so if she did do ie dinner lady for 7.5 hours per week plus be able to get carers allowence, she could be ok .

No she doesnt actually care for me, or live with me. She just takes me out on Mondays and Fridays. We looked into my daughter being able to get carers allowance for me when my x left but it seemed too complicated. I get DLA though.

I am claiming carers allowance for my mum plus income support at the same rate as yourself. I am also claiming child maintenance through the CSA which I have not had yet and gather then that I will only receive £10p/w. I have been told by my lone parent advisor that as son is over 11 I will be expected to work at least 16 hours per week. If I work 16 hours a week will i be able to keep the money I earn on top.

Like most people I am very confused as to how this all works im pulling my hair out at the moment with worry.

When you work 16 or more hours per week you will be able to claim WTC along with your CTC, you will come off income support recieve all the child maintenance , as long as you earn less than £84 you should be ok with the carers allowence providing you still do the 35 hours per week care for that person, but if you are on housing benefit and council tax benefit there will be a change there.