Cool, that sounds promising. I'll see if can do less than a 5-day week and look into tax credits - thanks very much for your help!

I see what you're saying but it's a mixture of two things. Firstly that I don't really want my partner to be supporting me for another 4 years on top of the previous 4 from my undergrad degree.

Secondly, and more importantly, that our income would equate to us both being on equivalent of minimum wage for which other couples with a baby would receive support. It just doesn't seem fair that with less effort come greater benefit rewards.

"Unless the issue is really that you don't think you should have to pay for your own child's care?" - what a ridiculous thing to suggest!

Thanks for your replies. Going from what you've said and further research online this unfortunately looks as though I won't be able to afford to do the PhD. This is a shame because I was really looking forward to it. I would've expected the government/educational institutions to offer support to any students with children whether it's undergrad, Masters or postgrad. Surely they should be trying to get as many people as possible educated to as high a level as possible. Don't think I'll be able to get a job in this area without the PhD so will have to have an entire rethink about what I want to do :(

Hi all,

I've applied for a PhD and have a son who is currently 7 months old. As with most things a major issue as to whether I will choose to do this PhD or get a job depends on money (I would much rather do the PhD!).

I live with my girlfriend who will be working full-time for around £28,000, and I will be getting around £13,500 non-taxable per year. If this combined income were as a result of my having a 'proper' (by which I mean taxable) job then I'm sure we would be eligible for support. As it's not I don't think that we will get any support which means paying around £8000 per year I think, just for childcare. This doesn't seem fair.

Does anyone know of any support offered for PhD students with children?

Thank you for your help,

John