i have a job, starting maternity leave, do i qualify for benefits?!

[Bubbless]

im so confusedddddd
ive got a job and am starting maternity leave in dec...
however- my maternity pay is pitiful not ideal
so can i claim benefits?
or not?
where do i stand?!

ive tried the website and its crap its so complex its a wonder anyone claims benefits..

HELP!

Benefits for what?

You'll be entitled to Child Benefit every month.

If you are working, you will get:
Employer maternity pay (if yor employer is nice, it's not compulsory)
Or
Statutory maternity pay (if you've been in your job long enough and earn enough)
Or
Maternity allowance (the least good one).

Depending on your wage, you will probably also get child tax credits and working tax credits, and child benefit.
You might also get housing benefit and council tax benefit if your wage is low.

All the information, and a benefit calculator, is on www.direct.gov.uk

You will be on maternity leave and getting maternity pay (which can be pretty low if you are earning more) bug as classes as in employment.

Child benefit and possible tax credits depending on you'd household income but otherwise no nothing else.

With my first I went from take home pay of £2800 to SMP. Harsh but having had a good wage had savings from that. Now I'm part time Ruth two dc not sure will notice much diff when I go on MSG leave this time