Maternity allowance ending, not eligible for UC

[rachelleiigh]

Hi, I’m just wondering if anyone’s been in a similar situation. I was at uni last year but had to take a study break when I got pregnant. I worked part-time in care, but had to quit as it was too physical, so I’ve been on maternity allowance which now ends this month.

My little boy is 6 months old and I’ll have no income once it stops. My partner earns too much for UC but not enough to cover both of us—he already pays all the bills, food, and rent. I still need to cover my car, insurance, and phone, but he can’t help as he’s also paying into an IVA. We can’t share a car as he only has a work van.

I do have some savings, but they won’t last very long. I’m not sure if I can return to uni in February, and I’d ideally like to hold off going back to work as my little one is only 6 months and i’m really treasuring this time with him. Also nursery fees would take up most of my wage. Has anyone else been through similar to this? I’d be really grateful for any advice or tips, as I’m feeling quite stuck right now.

You would probably be entitled to the 85% of childcare element of UC even if you wont receive any other elements due to your partners wage.

Would take the sting out of the childcare bill.

Your partner should not be prioritising an exploitative job over caring for his child. He needs to recognise where his responsibility lies. And TBH you sound as though you are making a lot of feeble excuses, given you are university educated, and therefore should be well able to navigate the internet to find out important information for both you and your partner re: his dubious employment.

If his wage is too high she won't be entitled to any of it.

If your income has dropped you husband can apply for his IVA to be reviewed. He should contact debt management at citizens advice office to help. Citizens advice can help with food bank details as well. Google free baby stuff as there are companies that will send you free baby food/nappy samples. Plus Google free stuff as you can also get money off vouchers.

The wage cap doesn't apply to the childcare element. I was shocked when I started working for them that I paid so much in childcare for years that I could have claimed back.

Could you become a babysitter / Nanny and take your baby with you?

In which case he'll have to support his family won't he? His way = he pays. Or shared care of baby = you both work.

It is included in all the deductions though so if his wage is too high it wipes it all out. You can't just claim childcare help and not the other elements.

You’ll have to go back to work.

This PLUS investigate the legality of your OHs job. What you describe is breaking all sorts of rules.

What area of work is he in? There’s a risk he could be tired on the job due to the working hour demands which leads to mistakes, etc.

Also he has a legal right to request flexible working. This could be as basic as knowing he’ll never get called on Wednesday or Thursday allowing you to pick up some care shifts.

Be stay at home mum. Catch the bus, coffee in flask, take the man card to buy baby stuff. This only if you trust the man of course

Most decent men will cover everything. Horrible ones will abuse you or send you back to work.

Someone suggested agency work. You could also look into freelance work, or a fully remote role. What was your degree in? Could you put those skills to use in a way that will make you some money flexibly?