What am I entitled to

[Itsallwhite]

We have just found out we are pregnant and I've worked out my maternity pay but I'm also wondering what benefits we are entitled to?
We have never claimed anything in the past, we both work full time at the moment. I was wondering if we get child benefit or something? And how much would it be?

What are your salaries?

Either of you over 50k, no child benefit.

Have a look on google.

I wish people wouldn't say "we" are pregnant. You are pregnant; he isn't! (Unless he's got a big belly, of course, in which case maybe you've got twins on the way)!

Child benefit is around £20 pw for first child. If either earns between 50-60k it is repayable in part via tax return , over £60k you are not entitled to receive payments. However either way register a claim in order to receive NI credits until child is 13 (useful while on ML or not working) and opt out of receiving payments if needs be.

Thank you, unfortunately neither of us earn over £50k. I tried to Google it but theres so many benefits I didn't really know. But 20pw a help

Yes I agree it's so confusing online

OP there is a website called entitled to dot com that will calculate everything you’re entitled to based on your circumstances. It’s been very accurate for me over the years.

Thank you that website was very helpful, £89 a month. That should help with the cost of nappies. I have no idea how much it cost to have a baby :/

Yes try entitled to. What you may or may not get depends on your income but also where you are.

Babies are pretty cheap to run on a daily basis. The big purchases like cots and travel systems etc are what cost the most but once you have them, you don’t have to keep buying them IYSWIM. Also, IME, most of that can be purchased for much less on second hand selling pages. (Apart from mattresses and car seats!)

On a daily basis you will need milk (if formula/mixed feeding), nappies/wipes/creams and some basic clothing layers. If you have friends and family buying gifts you could make suggestions for things you know you will need. My mum would buy a packet of nappies with her weekly shopping while I was pregnant so I had a stash ready to go when baby was born, it was really helpful!

You will also need a small fund to amuse yourself because sitting at home alone with Baby for 6 or 9 months is a fast track to depression. So set aside some money each week to get out to coffee with friends, baby groups, etc. I’ve noticed that friends who’ve had babies recently have received gift cards for Costa/Starbucks etc as part of their baby gifts. I think it’s a good idea.