How are the pregnant and single ladies doing?

[VioletV]

As the title says really!

32+2 here. And suffering with the usual symptoms. I've pretty much bought everything baby needs. Mothercare in Lakeside outlets had a good sale. I got a box of pampers about 90 for £10 and a danny bin for £12.50 so half price!

I do have a few questions below if anyone can help me?

1.Now I'm on maternity leave from work, is there any money I can claim whilst I'm receiving SMP? It doesn't even cover my rent so I'm a bit scared I can't make my payments.Or do I have to wiat until the baby is born?

1. When can I start claiming working tax credits? and how much money do you have to earn for them to accept you?

1. Is anyone is the Bexley area? Ive just moved here and I don't know anyone! Where is good to meet new mums etc?

Thank you :-)

Hi Violet,
I'd contact your local Citizen's Advice for money and benefits help. Much will depend on your level of savings.
Best of luck sweetie
LL x

Thanks lovely. I'm going to hit the town hall later today. Fingers crossed they can help me while on mat leave xx

I would ring HMRC tax credits and get your form fill out what you can before baby in born (less to do then) You will need to tell them all of last tax years income so 2010/2011 which will be on your p60. I think you need your child benefit number which you cannot get until you have registered the birth and sent off the Child benefit form for child tax creds but not sure for working tax creds. give them a call and find out?

If you are claiming working tax credits you may be entitled to the sure start maternity grant which is £500 one off payment (I think they are still doing it?) you have a few months after the birth to apply for this too. When claiming benefits, there is lots of paper work to do so best start doing what you can now before baby arrives when you have nappy brain can seem a little confusing. Also keep all paperwork you get from employers, tax creds & housing benefit.

Housing benefit again depending on your income & savings. Also healthy start vouchers speak to midwife about these. Alot of benefits voucher schemes do depend on your income etc but its always worth asking as healthy start give you vouchers which you can use against infant formula if you choose to bottle feed.

Also join all the baby clubs online such as pampers, hipp, cow & gate (they used to send a cute cuddly cow) aptimal (cuddly polar bear) emma's diary there are loads just google. You get loads of money off vouchers with pampers every few months and the other normally send you stuff for when your weaning. ELC send you nursery rhyme CD's for LO's birthday. The pampers vouchers where life savers cos its normally 1 or 2 pounds off.

hope this helps

hiya,

most benefits didn't kick in until i'd had my son, but i did as much of the paperwork that i could in advance to save time. HB might apply beforehand though, depending on your current income levels.

be quick with the sure start maternity grant, as i think it's being withdrawn soon.

also check out: www.entitledto.org.uk for a benefits check and to find grants.

phone the tax credits helpline and go through details with them - they are surprisingly helpful!

sorry i'm not in bexley, but your local sure start centre should be a good place to find other mums and mums-to-be. it's been a lifeline for me.

good luck.

Thanks all. I'll get applying for these forms asap xx