New mum help!

[heyitskayx]

Hey everyone I'm expecting a baby in December and currently I'm working part time and on universal credit just wondering is it worth me going on to maternity allowance or just staying on universal credit with then baby arrives? Really confused about it all!

Would you not qualify for SMP?

No I only started working there in April unfortunately

Have a sit down look at finances. Though I would have to say leaning towards UC, and benefits. As you will probably struggle otherwise? But it would need further looking into.

Also ask yourself if your going back to work etc

I am actually entitled to maternity allowance I believe and no I will definitely be taking my full maternity leave I refuse to leave my child with a stranger it doesn't sit well with me at all ..

Maternity allowance is subject to the benefit cap I think so whatever you get you lose in UC. You can still claim both though afaik

www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/what-youll-get
Looks complex and I don't fully understand the ins and outs of it all re: universal credits

This is the thing currently I'm on universal credit but I just don't get money because I work 20 plus hours so maybe I should just stay on it and ditch maternity allowance altogether it's quite confusing indeed

Would UC not top up what you get for MA as your income will drop to 90% of salary or £151 whichever is lower on MA