Back to education as a single mother!?

Kelly88

I am a single mother and am looking to go to university to try and get a degree. I have 3 dependents but how am I supposed to live on €277 a week for 4 people and pay for childcare... let alone bills and heating, or back to school for my children... Is there any more support out there for those looking to go back and try and improve their circumstances!

antix80

My advice to you would be to do something like level 5 childcare and start earning immediately. There's huge demand. the free childcare year means creches are full of toddlers for a few hours in the evenings so workers have no one to mind younger babies.

Do the higher education when you're in a position to do it. Perhaps look into part-time degree options or blended learning.

Blanchguy

You should also be entitled to child benefit, for three children that would be another €420 per month. And if you are paying for your housing, up to €95 a week of any maintenance you receive from the children's father will be disregarded as means.

Kelly88

antix80 wrote: »

My advice to you would be to do something like level 5 childcare and start earning immediately. There's huge demand. the free childcare year means creches are full of toddlers for a few hours in the evenings so workers have no one to mind younger babies.

Do the higher education when you're in a position to do it. Perhaps look into part-time degree options or blended learning.

Thank you for your reply! I already have a fetac level 5, I would love to do nursing but I don't think it well be an option with these figures

Owryan

If you are on OPF payment you may also qualify for the maintenance grant component of SUSI support. However this would affect other payments such as RA

https://susi.ie/quick-links/special-rate-awards/

c montgomery

Can you get the father(s) to help ?

Kelly88

Thank you this is really helpful