Money

[Rose1999]

Has anyone ever applied for Universal Credit on maternity leave? I’m a full time teacher but my payments are going down to statutory only. Ideally I really wanted to return to work in October and was going to use SPL for the summer but now I can't as I'm single. I’m going to struggle for about 3 months.

Thank you 🩷

Would it not make sense to return in July, then you get paid for the holidays, and you get to start your new class(s) in September, which will make life a lot easier than taking over from someone and, in effect, (in terms of not having the additional time with your dc) you only go back a month early but (in terms of money) go back 2.5 months earlier.

I just wanted as much time with my baby as possible

You can literally go back for the last day of term (even if it's a half day) and go back onto full salary.

I just wanted as much time with my baby as possible

Well, yes, but all parents have to find that balance between balancing finances and what we'd 'ideally' like.
With the added factor in teaching of starting the year with your class (or classes if you are secondary).

Sorry your circumstances have changed and altered your plans.

I went back when ds was 7 months old and it wasn't great, but it was ok and in a couple of years you won't even remember it. If needs must, there isn't much else you can do.

Starting back on full pay and using the summer holidays sounds like the best option.