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Original poster

Financial Support

10 replies

Laurashakey · 16/08/2021 08:59

Hi all,

I was just wondering if there is any help out there for us mothers?
I work full time at the moment but will receive maternity allowance as I have not been in my company long enough, maternity allowance is around £152 per week so it isn’t enough to get by really especially with a child.
My partner is self employed so he earns some money.
Is there any other benefits that yourselves claim and are eligible of at all?
I was looking at child tax, but it says you can not make new applications anymore and have to do it via universal credit? But then if my partner earns some money would I even be entitled of child tax credit? They normally ask you to make joint application with your partner and if they see my partners income I’m thinking they may not give me any money.
I am not greedy. I have always worked for myself so it will just be very different if I have to rely with everything on my partner hence I am asking if there is anything that myself will be able to claim on top of maternity allowance.
I was looking at the one off payment of £500.
When would I need to start making claims for benefits if so? My child is not due until November but I like to have everything ready as I’ve never claimed any benefits I am very clueless on how it works.

OP posts:

RedHelenB · 16/08/2021 09:54

It really depends on what your partner earns.

WTFisNext · 16/08/2021 09:58

Child benefit is available to most providing your partner isn't a high earner.

Otherwise it's universal credit and it's rightfully based on the family income so if your partner is earning £40k a year you wouldn't be entitled to any other support, whereas if he's earning £19k a year the government don't reasonably expect you to survive as a family on that much and will top you up via universal credit. (I'm not clear on the actual thresholds but they are reasonable figures as a guide).

Don't be tempted to make a fraudulent claim, you might gain short term but long term the consequences aren't great if caught out (and they do catch people out).

It doesn't feel fair I know, I've always stood on my own two feet and the realisation that having a baby meant I'd have to rely on my husband for money (albeit for a short while) really didn't sit well with me...but that is the reality of the decision to having a baby with someone.

Siepie · 16/08/2021 10:59

Child benefit - but the child's costs should be shared between you and your partner anyway.

If you're having a baby together, you need to work out away to split expenses with your partner. You shouldn't suffer financially just because you're the one to give birth.

BarbaraofSeville · 16/08/2021 11:10

They normally ask you to make joint application with your partner and if they see my partners income I’m thinking they may not give me any money

We it's normally the case that if you're a couple, both parents pay for the cost of raising their children. Why would your partner think the taxpayer should support his children not him?

If you're on a low income as a couple, you're entitled to financial help. Otherwise the money you earn should be used to pay for your home/DC etc. If he's not earning very much from his self employment, he should consider getting a paid job and work on building the self employment side in his spare time.

AlexaShutUp · 16/08/2021 11:14

I presume that your partner is the father of your child? In which case, he needs to share the cost of your mat leave and any child related expenses.

Hoppinggreen · 16/08/2021 11:18

Well if it’s your partners baby then he should be supporting you both financially until you can go back to work.
If his earnings mean you aren’t eligible for benefits then you should be please that he earns well.

idontknowwhyibother · 16/08/2021 11:30

Well if he's earning over the limit... you should be pleased as you shouldn't be struggling. 🤷🏻‍♀️ He has to support you and the baby if he's earning over just like any other couple doe.

Danikm151 · 16/08/2021 13:35

You have to be on UC to get the sure start maternity grant and income below a certain amount. I had to wait until my maternity pay went down in order to claim.
You’re thinking of it in terms of my pay. Giving me any money.
DWP see your income as shared. Do a benefits calculator to see if you would get anything based on both your income.

Barcalone · 17/08/2021 12:29

If his earnings mean you aren’t eligible for benefits then you should be please that he earns well this
How much does your partner earn? Sounds like it will be above the limit for benefits

UserStillatLarge · 17/08/2021 12:38

If your partner is a decent person, he will want to support you.

If he's not a decent person, I suggest you leave him now and claim benefits as a single adult.

If you don't want to rely on anyone else financially (though it's ironic you are quite happy for the state to give you money) then you need to save up enough money to survive, before you have the baby.

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