Can they force mum to go back to work?

Question

My mum looks after my baby daughter on a full time basis while I work.She is currently in receipt of income support as she has a 15 yr old, however apparently as of next yr she has to claim jobseekers as must attend regular interviews at the job centre.Can they force her to look for work if they know she is looking after my daughter full time.I am not paying her for doing this,she feels she is simply doing her grandmotherly duties and loves it!Please help

Answer 1

She needs to see about carers allowance

Answer 2

My mum does the same for me, though she doesnt claim any benefits, she lives off her pension (she is a young at heart 70)

I think maybe she could claim carers allowance, but Im not sure. Maybe a phone call to the citizens advice bureau would help.

I have a feeling though that the social will say that if she refuses to actively look forwork, she wont get benefits.

When I claimed jobseekers for 2 months, I was told that I HAD to be available for work 24 hours a day, any shift, any hours or I wouldnt get paid the jobseekers.

Basically they are not going to pay her JSA if she isnt looking for a job. if she attends interviews and deliberately fluffs them, they can stop payment. You have to show proof you have looked for jobs, proof of interviews, all sorts.

At the end of the day, they arent going to pay her for being a babysitter.

If childcare were free, life would be a whole lot easier. I know, I struggle to juggle work and a child, it aint easy. I hope you come to some sort of resolution.

xx

Answer 3

To claim jobseekers you have to look for work. If your mother isn't looking for work they can stop her benefit.
I don't know how old your mum is, but perhaps she could get a part time job and look after your daughter the rest of the time. She could apply for top ups to help with low wage, rent,etc.
I'm sure you two can work something out to fit around each other.
She needs to contact her citizens advice or jobcentre for advice.

Unfortunately gone are the days where we all supported our families. No one sits around the same table and puts money into the pot.

family values and benefits don't mix.

Answer 4

Yes , they can , once your sister turns 16 .even if she goes on to collage youmum automatlic goes back on to the benfit system
of job seekers.
I suggest that you start looking for a nusery place now . you might be able to get help with the nursery fees from child tax credit . its income based but if you don't apply you will not know and all they will say is that you are not entitled to the help.

Some help for your mum, while you still have a chance you might want to brush up your c.v and also get on to a course of study to help you ready for next year. this is going to be a big change for you ,this will help boost your confidece when you start to attend interviews . Alot of employers want to know what you have been doing with your self and application forms always ask for at least 2 to 5 years work history.

there ae lots of course out there and it might help mum get a job that she will enjoy rather than has to do because they are going to stop her money.

Answer 5

Quite a complication question to answer. What I would advise your mum to do is to phone up the work and pension free number. I sure she will find it the phone book or YP.

She is not obliged to give her name, but ask a hypothetical question 'what if were to look after my ....blah blah. Maybe they are saying she needs to claim job-seekers allowance as your Sister will then be sixteen or over and therefore not classed as a dependant.

If she is not keen to phone up work and pensions perhaps she would consider going to the Citizen Advice Bureau. What ever she does she must get expert advice.

I hope things are resolved to everyones' satisfaction.


And ignore all the snide remarks, one never can tell what lies ahead of them. No doubt someone will report me but read this answer first.

Answer 6

Your Mum sound like she a great Gan, Don,t worry your self the doll will help your Mum , They will ask her what she did be for , and if she has for gotten the will re train her. There are web site for the dhss.gor.uk or you us get it from your mums book.

Hope this helps David B

Answer 7

They cannot force her to got to work, but they CAN stop any benefit she receives, and, in the circumstances you describe, they ought to do so immediately.

The benefit system does not exist to pay for free childcare for mothers who choose to work instead of caring for their children.

Why should I (and lots of other hardworking taxpayers) pay for her to do her 'grandmotherly' duties?

Answer 8

if its like unemplyment yes then can. But if she dosn't want 2 work then tell her 2 look for jobs that wont hire her. Like she dosen't meet there requirements.

Answer 9

Of course they can force her to go back to work and i hope they do. Welfare is not intend to help people mooch off their mother, nor to allow their mothers to watch TV all day. then again I guess she could just go off welfare and you could start paying her.

Answer 10

they will look into the family arrangements but they won't pay her benefit to care for your child. you need to look into what help you can get for childcare. unless your mum has health reasons she will be expected to look for work or they will stop her benefits. family benefits might help you pay for childcare.