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Original poster

Benefit entitlement

4 replies

Sunflower8710 · 02/01/2024 09:32

Hi all

I need some support around my situation in terms of what I am eligible for as I approach a new chapter in my life.

I’m 33 and have worked conservatively since age 16, in March last year I ended a 10 year long employment for a fresh start. I started a temporary 7 month contract and within a few weeks of starting this new contract I discovered I was pregnant. This employment ended last week and I am now less than 2 weeks from giving birth and have popped in my application for maternity allowance (husband is in full time employment and we do have some savings)

Am I entitled to new style JSA? I have put in an application over the weekend but I can’t seem to find much online to see what I am actually entitled to. I’d appreciate any advice and support. Thank you

OP posts:

Pinkdelight3 · 02/01/2024 09:35

Not an expert but this says: "From 6 weeks before the week your baby is due until 2 weeks after the birth you will be treated as having limited capability for work so you cannot be paid NS-JSA during this time." https://maternityaction.org.uk/advice/money-for-parents-and-babies/#:~:text=From%206%20weeks%20before%20the,any%20maternity%20pay%2C%20see%20below.

Money for parents and babies - Maternity Action

This page contains information on:Important benefits checklistChild BenefitUniversal CreditLegacy benefits and Tax creditsContributory benefitsBenefits if you are pregnant or have a new babyBest Start Grant and Best Start Foods – ScotlandBenefits durin...

https://maternityaction.org.uk/advice/money-for-parents-and-babies#:~:text=From%206%20weeks%20before%20the,any%20maternity%20pay%2C%20see%20below.

WithACatLikeTread · 02/01/2024 09:44

You can try Universal Credit although that will depend on how much savings you have and your husband's wages.

Babyroobs · 02/01/2024 09:59

You can't claim new style JSA for two reasons.
I suspect it is an overlapping benefit with maternity allowance so wouldn't be able to claim them together. I'm not 100% sure on this but very unlikely they would pay both.
Secondly to claim JSA you have to be searching for work which I presume when you are almost ready to give birth you won't be ?
You could look at Universal credit but this is means tested so will depend on your husband's earnings, whether you have savings, whether you pay rent etc. Also be aware that if you claim maternity allowance this would be deducted from any Universal credit claim pound for pound.

OnlyOpenMouthToChangeFeet · 03/01/2024 04:38

As you will have limited capability for work for 8 weeks, it may be worth looking into claiming new style ESA for that period. This is not income based, and is assessed on your NI contributions.

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