Hi everyone. I have posted a couple of threads before and as I'm learning more, I have more questions.
Instead of writing a long story I'll just put the facts into bullet points! I hope somebody will be able to help or has related to my situation before that can shed some light on what I can do.
- I'm 21 (22 in January).
- Currently 22 weeks pregnant (very excited, happy and grateful!)
- have been with my partner for 5 years- we don't live together but may aswell do, but want to find another house together rather than the flat he is in at the moment.
- So I currently live with my mum.
- I work part time 8.5 hours a week in my current job and have done for just over a year.
- My other part time job has just ended, (contract ending, not entitled to any further pay as have looked into this). It was 20 hours so I am quite financially stuck now as from after Christmas with less income.
- Will be going on maternity leave in Feb- think I have established that I am entitled to Maternity allowance and not statutory maternity as I don't earn enough.
- I am partially aware of the help/benefits I'll receive whilst in maternity when the baby is born.
- I am more concerned about if there is any help I could receive between now and April? (My due date month).
- Have looked online constantly and have done numerous benefit calculations online (gov.uk etc) but can't seem to find a straight answer!
- I think I have gathered that I'm not entitled to working tax credit because I work under 16 hours. I don't think I am entitled to income support either.
- I have no idea how I'm going to cope for the next 3/4 months with working only 8.5 hours a week and no extra help?
- I'm unsure if I can/if it's worth claiming JSA for the next few months when I'm genuinely not actively looking for work? For obvious reasons.
- I would just like to know if there are any benefits/help I can claim whilst I'm in this situation. Or have I just got to cut my losses and brave it out for a while?
- If no one can help I am considering trying to make an appointment at the Job Centre / Citizens Advice to seek further information! But with it being so close to Christmas I don't know what appointments will be available.
Thank you in advance