Maternity entitlements -Help!

[Bobovhet]

Hi all,

I'm in the lucky position where both myself and my husband are in full-time work, however we currently get to the end of the month with very little, regardless of being careful, not eating out or takeaways, cut down all subscriptions - even one of our parents pays our netflix for us as a treat.

I am very worried about when I'll be on SNP only how we will manage, particularly with all the baby expenses.

I've tried looking up what sort I can get but it looks like not much. Had anyone any tips or better experience in this? It's like a maze!

TIA

The only benefit that might be available to you is Universal credit and whether you will qualify will depend on factors such as whether you have rent to pay etc and you would get help with childcare costs if you qualify for UC. If you have savings over 16k then you cannot claim UC. Use one of the reliable benefit calculators. You would also get child benefit unless either of you earn over 60k at which point it becomes tapered I believe.

If your employer pays SMP only it is 6 weeks at 90% of your average earnings over a specified period then a flat rate £184 currently for 33 weeks. Some employers pay more to those on higher levels or with long service as a retention incentive but normally this is conditional on returning after ml for a minimum period.

Does your workplace offer any enhanced maternity payments which is in addition to stat mat pay? Some do, but there will usually be a clause about how long you have to work there after mat leave.

This book is old, but there might be a newer version. I got mine for £1 from ebay! Handy tips of what you should buy new and what can be 2nd hand, maternity clothes tips, savings etc.

As above, Universal Credit is likely to be the only state benefit (apart from Child Benefit). There a on line tools like Turn2Us or Entitled To that will give a good idea though both are prone to garbage in/garbage out errors if the data you enter is off beam.

Alternatively Help to Claim, provided by Citizens Advice, will give clear steer.

Thank you - I was under the impression that because I'm still technically employed I wouldn't be able to claim? But will look into it now, thank you

You would be very unlikely to qualify for UC until your baby is born. this is because you would then get a child element added to your claim and a work allowance meaning a proportion of your joint earnings/ smp would be disregarded. You can put in different scenarios into the calculator for now and when your baby is born.

Do you get occupational maternity pay in addition to SMP? Check with employer what you will be paid

While one reason somebody might claim UC is being out of work it also tops up low pay where people are in work.

As above, having a child will make a difference as (a) you get extra money in the amount you're seen as needing to live an and (b) a work allowance.

The other big opening is whether you own your home or pay rent. UC includes a Housing Costs Element for renters but is much less generous to those paying a mortgage.