how do working single parents afford childcare costs ?

Answer 1

tax credits

Answer 2

I'm at University. My childcare costs are paid via a grant.
Why do some assholes use this as an opportunity to express their ignorant and prejudiced opinions?
I never planned to be a single parent, I'd be a "traditionalist" if there were actually men out there who could hack it. But there aren't. That's why there are so many single parents. Many have escaped violent and abusive relationships.
Your taxes are wasted more on paying benefits for "traditionalist" druggie families, having more and more children so they can get a bigger council house...

Answer 3

howcoulditbeso - getoveryourself. I work my backside off everyday and I also pay taxes. in england we have working tax credits. you dont have be single or even a parent to claim them, just over be 25 and working full time. Obviously they give more when you have childcare costs.

Ps No Im not a benifit mam. I own my own house because I'v worked hard for me an my son. You do whats got to be done.

Answer 4

Speaking as a single mom who receives $0 from the father, you bust your butt and do WHATEVER it takes to afford your child care.

In my case, i moved out of the home her father and i were sharing and back into my parents house. Child care is $660 a month, i contribute $200 a month towards bills and groceries at my moms house, plus i have a car payment and car insurance and other various bills such as health insurance, storage, etc.

Its all about budgeting... make a budget and stick to it. If you cant afford to go out with your friends you learn to stay in and find something productive to do like laundry or dishes.

But its the most rewarding... you know you're doing this yourself. And for me, my goal is to be in my own house in 3 years (providing i'm still able to sock away money into savings the way i have been).


As for the person above who mentions "those who chose to be single parents" that is total BS! I didnt say let me be a single parent now. I had to do what was best for my daughter and separate ourselves from her father who was not a healthy influence. No need to judge children born out of wedlock... its not hte 50s anymore. So get over yourself.

Answer 5

Tax credits help.
But also try to find a parent's co-operative that run a playscheme as the biggest costs are in school holidays. Ask other parents in similar situations or at the school.
You may also be eligible for vouchers, ask at your local education dept.
These answers only apply to UK.
I was a single parent and used all the above.

Answer 6

if you work certain hours a week, tax credits can pay up to 70 % of your childcare. If you get working tax credits (most working parents do) then ask about the childcare help

Answer 7

I assume you get tax credits for your child, you need to get your child into a place whether it is a private nursery or a registered childminder. Phone tax credits tell them how much it costs you a week and depending on your income they will pay an amount.
Me and my husband both work and our son was 120 a week for childcare and they paid 90

Answer 8

Some people get help from the states (free and reduced daycare through "vouchers" depending on income), some leave their children with friends or family, and some just work as much as possible to pay it and end up going without a LOT of things so they can afford daycare so they can work to buy food!

Answer 9

If you work 16 + hours you are entitled to working tax credits, they pay for 75% of your childcare costs

Answer 10

It is incredibly difficult. Here in Massachusetts, the waiting list for subsidized child care is looooooong. Many families have to sign their children up for the waiting list as soon as they get the birth certificate in the mail. Then they wait and wait.

Then you have to go through a huge amount of paperwork to get the subsidy...and you have to send in your paystubs every week, plus documentation of the hours you have worked...it all is a pain in the ****...then if your child is sick, you cannot send them and you still have to pay for the time they are out.

It gets expensive. The more money you make, the more you must pay...so many times people that have subsidies do not want raises, because of it.

Answer 11

Well there are some programs out there for people who are low income. It is called Head Start. You should have one in your area. I am not sure how old they have to be but there are even other programs out there that will pay the person you want to watch your children, provided they are certified. Here is a link that may provide more information for you. I almost got into child day care and was going to be certified, but God had other plans for me. I have three children myself and I know that It can be a hard thing when you are looking for child care. I wish you the best and hope this helps...
http://usgovinfo.about.com/library/weekly/aa061100g.htm?terms=studen+loans