stay at home dad question

[doomey!]

My partner works, but we recently had a little boy. If I was to stay at home to help bring him up, would I be able to claim any income support or benefits to help with the cost of not working?

[mrs_overall]

In a word - no. However, if your partner works more than 16 hours each week he can claim extra money through Working Families Tax Credit/Child Tax Credit, depending on his income.

[mrs_overall]

Sorry, just realised it's dad who will be staying at home - doh! For the above answer, read "her" income.

[annie0000]

As above, it would depend on your partners income. They would then be able to claim working family tax credit. I would also recommend that if you are staying at home, you make sure that the child benefit is in your name rather than your partners - this should help to protect your national insurance contributions. This is something that is often forgotten as it tends to be in the mothers name and not the fathers.

[helpmetoo]

sounds like youve taken on a commitment you cant afford

still, at least theres something to spend all my taxes on