Can't go back to work, but maternity has ended

[wineandmine]

My Maternity Allowance is ending this week. Which means I would've gone back to work but I can't because I am not well enough.

I am single.

It's something I've been hoping and praying I would be able to do, but it just isn't possible. I have been a bit naive and just thought I could when the time comes, but I simply cannot.

I'm going to have to claim something until I have more answers (currently being tested for Arthritis, with suspected immunity related syndrome and a few other nasties).

I am not due back at work, technically, until October. I must give 4 weeks notice if I wish to return sooner.

Should I resign in order to be able to claim benefit?

I'm currently receiving tax credits and child tax credits. Will these go now I'm not technically working anymore?

I'm really panicked.

Should I claim ESA or Income Support? Which do you think is best?

Get a sick note from your gp then you move into sick leave from the same job.no need to resign.

Yes just go to your GP and get signed off sick. I know someone who went from maternity leave onto sick leave. After a few months she was well enough to go back to work and is now fully recovered.

How do I claim sick pay if I'm still on leave?

Talk to HR, you finish your mat leave and then move onto sick pay.

laptop The thing is, mat leave doesn't finish until October.

If I want to go back earlier I think it's something like 8 weeks notice.

What do I do in the meantime?

Stay on mat leave? Why is that a problem, am I missing something? Then when you would have gone back, if not fit to work you go on sick leave. You presumably weren't planning on ending your mat leave now or you'd have given them notice two months ago?

Are there issues with claiming income support if you have resigned? I think sick leave may be best option. Hope they work out what is wrong soon.

laptop if she stays on mat leave she will have no money to live on as her maternity allowance is ending

But surely mat pay would have ended now anyway as you weren’t planning on going back until October? What were you going through do for money until then?

I’m taking it as OP has finished rhe paid part of her maternity leave, and starting the unpaid period which will take her to her expected return date.

Not everyone can afford to take the unpaid part of Mat Leave.

OP, you can cancel the unpaid maternity leave and give your work place a sick note from the doctor, moving you on to sick leave. You need to speak to HR.

Surely if you couldn't afford the unpaid part of mat leave you should have made arrangements to return to work sooner? It's likely if you resign and try to claim benefits you won't get any money any quicker than the returning to work.

Yes, what was your original plan before becoming ill to fund this bit of your leave? If ypu resign, you can't claim anything for 12 weeks I think as you are intentionally unemployed.

Surely if you couldn't afford the unpaid part of mat leave you should have made arrangements to return to work sooner?

Sadly, I thought I would still be a happily married woman with a husband that adores me right now, with a good bit of savings from him side of things to more than tire us over until I'm back in October. Life works out differently, and does so rapidly

Could you maybe submit your return to be early (for in four weeks time) and use up some annual leave to tide you over?

If your husband is highly paid you need to see a solicitor who can ensure he does support you and your little one.

If that's the case then go knocking on his door for the money he should be paying to support his child.

As your a lone parent to a child under 5 your not required to work so would be entitled to benefit as issues can crop up like childcare .. speak to your local job centre as they'd be best to advise how to go forward

There is some detailed information on Maternity Action website about sickness and maternity leave and they have a helpline. Citizens advice may also be able to help.

www.maternityaction.org.uk/advice-2/mums-dads-scenarios/pregnant/sickness-during-pregnancy-and-maternity-leave/

For some benefits the first step will be to check ether you are in a full service universal credit area.For example If you are then you cannot make a new claim for income support.

ucpostcode.entitledto.co.uk/ucdate

Meanwhile depending on how amicable your split either talk to/get mediation/child maintenance service /legal action about sorting out finances and any property issues.