SMP?

[Beth1997]

Good evening,

I am just looking for a little advice really, before I call citizens advice.

essentially the situation I am in is that I am a single woman - 27 and expecting. I’m very early in my pregnancy but I just found out that upto 11 weeks before and upto birth, I can start SMP.

i understand it is paid at 90% for the first 6 weeks and tha X amount per week for the following 33 weeks (works out around £750 I believe).

my question is. What the hell am I supposed to do with £700. I live alone and I earn approx £1650 a month, my rent is £800 (not including bills!)

Is there any help I can be given during my maternity leave? I simply cannot live on that amount of money. I heard that women who are unemployed and haven’t even worked have their rents paid and are given money for baby and money for themselves, so how is it possible that I receive just £750?

Any info would be greatly appreciated - panicking a little.

Would you be entitled to any universal credit? Childcare costs
Would the father offer any financial support?
Do you definitely want to proceed with the pregnancy?
What about when you go back to work-have you looked into childcare costs?

I'm pretty sure you will be able to get UC to "top up" your wages as such whilst on SMP. You will probably get single allowance and housing costs (maybe not the whole amount)

I had a quick google and found this. Hope it helps

Statutory Maternity Pay
SMP is treated as earnings and is taken into account when calculating your UC payment. 55p of every £1 of SMP is deducted from your maximum UC payment. However, SMP is partially disregarded from your UC award due to the work allowance and the 63% earnings taper

You'll definitely be entitled to universal credit to top up your pay

For the first £379 you earn they don't take anything off you.

You’ll get child benefit, and sounds like UC too.

also you have your whole pregnancy to save, which would be wise.