may I just add that if you should decide, in the fullness of time, that bankruptcy is your best option, The OR is unlikley to make an allowance as you described regarding childcare if you are not working.
However, nor will you be in a position to contribute to an IPA. I understand from your post that your husband may also declare bankruptcy and is in work so it is possible that an IPA may be proposed following the submission of his I&E.
I can see what you're saying there John about not working. It can make a difference to the 'normal' rules.
A friend of ours who was originally self employed but was not working at the time of his bankruptcy was aked by his OR to buy his tools back from him because although normally you are allowed to keep your 'tools of your trade' (within reason), because he wasn't working and was in receipt of benefits it was deemed by his OR that he didn't need his tools.
Whether they were right or wrong in telling him this I don't know and this was a while ago as he has since been discharged.
Thanks for replies (again! gosh you lot are good! :p)
I'll bear in mind the child costs thing, it would certainly do us both the world of good but if it can't be then it can't be. Shame though, I guess we wait and see how it turns out. :)
I agree with John (unfortunately) about the childcare as they will see it as a 'waste of money' - I have 2 kids and know exactly where you are coming from - that break means a huge difference to you both. xx
Onwards and Upwards is the way im going :-0)
From "Moneyworries" to "Movin On" in 3 months is fantastic :-))