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Original poster

Entitlement????

30 replies

MumToBe2015R · 13/05/2015 20:28

Okay let me be honest.

I was working off the books for 3months before I became permenant & they was going to be on the books thereafter. But at 3months in to working there I found out I have become pregnant & I was 8weeks by then. So for that reason I left the job.

I'm pregnant now at 28wks and were struggling. Hubby works approx 30hrs pw.

I'm sitting at home, can't do nothing. Apparently not entitled to any sort of benefit including maternity allowance.

Does anyone no if I am entitled to anything?

Also cannot get the Sure Start Grant £500 as I am not on any benefits.

Totally buggered!

Help would be appreciated

OP posts:
caroldecker · 13/05/2015 21:02

Why should you be entitled to anything, particularly as you avoid paying taxes.

ginmakesitallok · 13/05/2015 21:06

Why did you leave your job when you found out you were pregnant?

theendoftheendoftheend · 13/05/2015 21:07

OP contact Gingerbread, they'll be able to advise you. Good luck Flowers

Original poster
MumToBe2015R · 13/05/2015 21:29

I didn't want to avoid paying taxes! That was the terms of the employer! I was desperate for a job!

It was a nanny job so I left due to not being able to stay long term, and they needed to start calling other people for trials! And as they found someone to start, I was longer needed!

OP posts:
Original poster
MumToBe2015R · 13/05/2015 21:38

Thank you theendof

OP posts:
caroldecker · 13/05/2015 23:40

Did you register as self-employed then? or report them? Where do you think any benefits money comes from if not taxes?

Original poster
MumToBe2015R · 14/05/2015 00:52

No I didnt as they were willing to put me on the books after the 3months trial period!!

OP posts:
Floralnomad · 14/05/2015 01:04

Why did you not sign on when you first left the job ,or am I missing something and that's a really stupid question ?

nochurniscream · 14/05/2015 01:07

If you're not entitled to any benefits then you're not entitled to any benefits. This must mean your DH is earning above a threshold?

What have you been doing for the last five months? Have you done any work?

It was foolish of you to leave your job. You should have stayed, insisted on a proper contract and you could still be there now.

LineRunner · 14/05/2015 01:09

You may as a couple be entitled to Working Tax Credit if your husband has a low income. The website Turn2Us has a benefits calculator. Also have a look at moneysavingexpert.com for advice.

Once the baby is born you will presumably be able to claim Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit.

holidaysarenice · 14/05/2015 01:27

So you avoided having to pay tax etc but now that you want the benefits of having paid imto the system you're whinging about it?

That karma is a real butch face isn't she?

NerrSnerr · 14/05/2015 01:34

What is your husband's income? Can he increase his hours?

You shouldn't have been working off the books, it is illegal and it's as black and white as that.

Original poster
MumToBe2015R · 14/05/2015 09:07

Cannot sign on as DH income is £40over the threshold.

It's not that I didn't want to stay, they had to let me go as I could not have looked after there kids long term due to my pregnancy. Is was willing to go on until 30weeks.

I feel stupid now the fact I did off the books work, but I was desperate for a job & they promised they would offer me a proper contract after 3months and it would be on the books! How was I supposed to know I was going to get pregnancy. TTC for 4.5yrs nothing happened & doctors had made it clear that I have VERY slim chances of pregnancy!!!

OP posts:
Original poster
MumToBe2015R · 14/05/2015 09:08

Thank you linerunner I will look in to those

OP posts:
TheClacksAreDown · 14/05/2015 09:16

So they sacked you due to your pregnancy?

Original poster
MumToBe2015R · 14/05/2015 09:43

Yes they did

OP posts:
Rainicorn · 14/05/2015 09:49

You an still apply for the sure start grant up to 3 (I think) months after you have your baby and are in receipt of child tax credits.

Heels99 · 14/05/2015 09:52

They illegally dismissed you and you may have a claim against them. Get legal advice.

Original poster
MumToBe2015R · 14/05/2015 11:24

heels yes they did, but I would most probably be in trouble then too, reason being why I didn't take it further. I feel so stupid now & wish I had put my foot down from beginning, really thought they were trustworthy people.

I've always paid tax, worked for Next Retail for years.

OP posts:
Original poster
MumToBe2015R · 14/05/2015 11:25

Thank you Rain I iust checked, and you right I can claim sure grant 3 months after baby birth too. So I will do this. Thank you once again

OP posts:
LineRunner · 14/05/2015 11:31

OP, does that mean you've got a gap in your National Insurance contributions? That's not so good.

Original poster
MumToBe2015R · 14/05/2015 11:39

line i stopped working for next in July 2014. Found work as a nanny in Nov 2014. So really I have a gap from July 2014 to current

OP posts:
gabsdot45 · 14/05/2015 12:36

Your husband's salary is decent. 40k should be enough to for a family to live on. Many families live on much less.
Perhaps he could work more hours or get a second job, until you're able to go back to work yourself.

WipsGlitter · 14/05/2015 12:52

I think she means he earns £40 more than the limits for claiming, not that he earns £40k.

You will be entitled to child benefit.

TheClacksAreDown · 14/05/2015 12:52

OP you won't be in trouble but your employers may be. They cannot sack you for pregnancy regardless of how inconvenient, they cannot dodge tax and the onus is on them not you as the employee. There is normally a 3 month cut off for bringing any claims but I suggest you give this helpline a ring to discuss your prior employment position

www.maternityaction.org.uk/wp/advice-2/mums-dads-scenarios/pregnant/pregnancy-discrimination/