Returning to UK after 6 months 'traveling' Help... Maternity Allowance?

[artyoishi]

I quit my full time job to follow my husband abroad on a tourist visa where he lives and works. We didn't settle in one place. However, I soon discovered that I was pregnant and we decided I would return home where I could work (0 hrs contract) until I could work no more. Now I'm earning, but not entitled to SMP and my means tested earnings for the Maternity Allowance will have a 6 month hole in it. Has anybody been in a similar situation before? My husband can provide a small amount of money, however with the exchange rate and commission the equivalent will be halved. Can anyone offer advice??

You might still qualify. To get MA, you need to have worked in 26 of the 66 weeks before your due date. Meaning it isn't necessarily a problem that you've been abroad, not working, in 26 of them- still leaves you 40. A six month hole is ok.

www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/eligibility

Obviously still need to meet the other criteria. I don't know if you'll be able to do that with your zero hour contract. If I were you, I'd get a calendar, count back 66 weeks from due date, and see how many qualifying weeks you've got already under your belt. That's what I did. Luckily my 'hole' was only about 10 weeks so there was no problem.

Thanks, for the info and link I might (just) make it in that case!! :)

Hi! I'm in a similar situation in that I've just changed jobs, found out I was pregnant and therefore only entitled to maternity allowance, is there any other benefits etc we would be entitled to? I just can't imagine living off that amount of money! Obviously I realise it's managable between myself and my partner but am hating the thought of us struggling with a wee baby ??

I have been researching... I don't think that there is! :(
More is the pity... the sure start grant of £500 that was available to most (I think) is now only available to those already drawing benefits of some kind, housing or job seekers etc.

No the sure start grant was always means tested.

ah... ok,
Did you have to be actively drawing benefit to receive it??

Yes it tax credits, you can claim up to the time your baby is three months old. If you claim tax credits after you have your baby you will be able to claim. ( as long as you receive more than the basic amount - around £550 a year)

Sorry I meant yes AND tax credits.