MAT leave - entitled to anything?

[Sleepyquest]

I'm due to go on MAT leave soon and will be on SMP only. Normally I earn an ok salary (£33k), DH earns around 18k.

Would we be entitled to anything whilst I'm off? Tax credits etc? Or do they base it on last year's earnings? We once claimed tax credits when we were worse off and ended up owing it all back so I don't want to do that again! Thanks

Definitely use entitledto to see if you're entitled to any UC. UC works out on the basis of what you're actually paid so shouldn't be too many nasty surprises. Also child benefit.

Just to say, make sure you 'add' the baby when you do the calculation because it'll definitely make a difference.

I think if you earn over 20k a year combined household income and have no childcare costs - you wont get too much help. I mean maybe a few quids here and there and ChildBenefit (20 a week)