Tips on going back to work after maternity leave

[Louise07]

I am currently on maternity leave and the 39 weeks ends in November. Prior to maternity leave I worked 35 hours a week.

I'm at a loss at what to do about going back to work, I dont want to return full time so am thinking perhaps 16 hours a week and taking my child to a childminder who charges �4 per hour.

Any ideas on what amount of tax credits we would receive and any child care costs help. My partners gross income is �24,000 and mine was �16,500, obviously mine would reduce i reckon to around �6500 to �7000.

I just wondered if other perople could share there situations with me.

[redcrx]

try putting some details in this site and see what it comes up with. http://www.entitledto.co.uk/

it may also be worth asking your employer if they can accept you part time (dont leave it til last minute in case they say no) and also if they have childcare voucher schemes (where you pay for vouchers from your gross pay before tax)

[k8bailey]

My partners annual income is just under 20k mine is 4.5k
I work 12.5 hours a week (2 days) he works 40 hrs a week.

We recieve �66 a month child tax credits, although as our daughter is one this week, this will now be reduced to (I think) �44 a month. I pay �34 a day in nursery fees, so I'd probably be better off quitting my job - but that's not in my nature!

From September I will be working 3 days a week and will be no better off for it!

Try talking to Citizens Advice they can tell you what you are entitled to and also help you claim it, but be aware that your parner's income alone is deemed high.

[redcrx]

K8, double check your entitlement. Me and MrCRX got a bit more than that in first year and we were both on full time wages hun.