Maternity Leave + Universal Credit

[bcl23]

Hi there,

I’m currently pregnant and working out what my options are with leave. I will get 6 months enhanced through the company, but after that it drops to SMP for the additional maternity leave. I wondered about having SMP and then applying for UC? I imagine there won’t be much to claim as never claimed anything before but every little helps as I want to stay at home for another 3 months ideally.

Does anyone have any advice on this or recently done it? Would I apply when I start my maternity leave or leave it until the 26 weeks are up to start my claim?

Many Thanks

Apply when your income drops low enough to qualify. You can use the turn 2 us calculator to see if it will be worth it on the enhanced maternity leave.

I waited until my 90% of pay started as I didn’t realise that I would have qualified even on the higher income.

Do a benefits calculator to workout if you’ll be eligible once baby is born. Also if this is your first baby and you claim UC you can apply for the surestart maternity grant up to 6 months after baby is born. (If in England)

It would all depend on you and your partners earnings , whether you pay rent etc as to whether you qualify. With two wages coming in, even one being just smp then if no rent you may not be eligible.