Entitlement????

[MumToBe2015R]

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

gabsdot he's earning £40 over the threshold not £40k lol. I wish it £40k then I would be complaining.

theclacks thank you will look in that & speak to them

Sorry, I misread. I'd still suggest he work more hours or get a second job.

If you've worked on the books in the past you may be eligible for incapacity benefit rather than maternity allowance, from about 30 weeks I think. I was studying so not working when I got pregnant so couldn't get maternity allowance, but because I'd paid enough national insurance contributions previously I could get incapacity benefit which was not means tested (so doesn't matter what your DH earns). If he's on less than about £16k I think you can get working tax credit too as a couple. Then when the baby's born you can get child tax credits.

But your employer is not allowed to employ you "off the books" (ie they are not paying national insurance for you) and they're not allowed to get rid of you for being pregnant either. They should have kept you on and paid you maternity pay.

Have you tried claiming contributions based JSA? If you make a claim now it should be based on your NI contributions from the tax years 12/13 and 13/14