Lone Parent not returning to work

Hi,

I'm looking for advice on the situation I'm in. Am currently on Maternity Leave from full time employment, myself and the ex broke up just before xmas. Hes giving me 50e a week which I'm getting by on with the maternity payment and savings. Problem is that my savings are going to run out shortly and I can't work out making ends meet when I go back to work. Between the cost of rent (and I cant move in with parents..I've thought of that) and childcare, its already 50euro over my salary. So between child benefit and maintainence from ex, I'll have 300e a month. It costs me 40e a week to get into work which leaves roughly 140e for bills and groceries for the entire month. Its just not feasible. On top of that, I'm out of the house for near 14hours a day when working which isnt ideal with a young baby and would probably make childcare more expensive again.

So my question is, if I dont return to work (middle of March), what can I do? Can I claim benefits if I just quit my job? I hate the thought of it but cant see any way around it. Is there anyone I can speak to for advice on this such as a CWO or something?

Thanks in advance

Have you checked out One-parent Family Payment? And FIS?

I have looked at both options. I earn over the limit for the one parent support and the FIS would only give me 20 or so a week. Another problem here is that I earn a decent wage, but because of the hours I work, childcare costs will be huge, well in advance of 1000 a month from what research I've done. The average childminder in the area is 250e a week for 9-5, I'll need childcare from 6.30-7.30/8.30 5 days a week. Its ridiculous money.

Could you go part-time perhaps? You might then be eligible for One Parent Family Payment and FIS, and you might be able to minimise the childcare costs.

I've checked and my job cant offer me a part time role. I've been over it again and again in my head and it seems that every route is a dead end. I've looked to see if theres any part time jobs somewhat close to home but theres nothing out there at the moment.