Maternity Allowance

[lilly40]

Hi
I've just starting on maternity allowance, and am wondering why the government actually bother with it?
I have to pay a percentage towards my rent, and council tax, which I don't have a problem with at all.
How am I supposed to survive on less money than those on job seekers allowance though?
Is there anyone else out there that can offer some advice as I feel I'm really losing out, and I'm now feeling forced to get back to work much earlier for fear of being completely broke!

Statutory maternity pay is more than job seeker's allowance, I'm not sure what you mean?

Once I've paid rent and council tax, I'm left with less that those on job seekers allowance.

But those on JSA have to pay rent tho?! Be grateful, not all countries do this and am sure it's a lifeline to those Who have very little to live on.

elvislives2012 I AM grateful, just frustrated! Feel I'm being penalised for stopping work and being pregnant!

Those on JSA don't generally have to pay rent, no.

Oh I see what you mean. I suppose with maternity leave you have 8 months to save up for it yourself?

Is yours the only income? Can't you claim child benefit and tax credits? I see what you mean about MA not being a lot to live off if it's your only family income BUT people on JSA DO have to pay rent and council tax! Maybe not all it depends on other household income, but when unemployed my DH couldn't even claim JSA due to my income as a student, out of which we had to pay full rent and 75% council tax (£90pcm for the latter) - our rent alone wouldn't have been covered by JSA.

So yes MA isn't a lot but it's not fair to compare it to JSA when in most cases people on that also have to pay rent/council tax. Have you tried CAB? Make sure you're claiming CB and CTC... I would imagine if MA is your only income then CTC would be a reasonable amount? Not sure what else there is.

Child benefit and tax credits are payable after the baby is born. I guess every case is different, and I'm in no way judging those on JSA, and sorry if it comes across that way. I'm citing it as an example to compare income.

As a part time student, I can not claim council tax benefit either, when most, and not all, full time students get 100% off their council tax bill. Even though I'm studying a degree which is theoretically classed full time, because I only study one day a week, its classed as part time. They don't take into consideration placements which can take hours up to those of a full time student.

I'm frustrated with having so little money, and yes, I do feel penalised for being pregnant. Not everyone will agree with me, and I accept that.

I understand the frustration, how long till you're due? I guess the thing is to make sure you register the birth quickly, so you can put in a claim quickly. Tbh I may end up in a similar situation this summer.

It's strange about your degree, have you tried talking to someone at university? Placements should count as part of your degree (e.g. Nursing, teaching, medicine - these are all classed as FT even though a majority is spent on placement). There are a few downsides to being a student, not being classed as employed can screw you over a bit. I haven't paid any NI being a full time student so won't qualify for full MA but I do part time teaching at uni, so should be able claim a proportion of my average earnings (didn't discover this till after I was pregnant, thought I wouldn't be allowed any MA, was very happy to discover I could get some!) I'd say it's not so much being pregnant that you should feel penalised for but being a student. Sometimes it does seem that whoever makes these rules up doesn't really want people to get a higher education, even though it often means less/no financial help needed in future years and more tax paid!

Hopefully it'll get better once the baby is born. If you can't work due to pregnancy I think there's a small window where you may be able to claim incapacity benefit - but that might only be if you can't get MA/SMP.

I'm due end of May, early June. Its quite reassuring hearing others that are students and pregnant too! I'm looking at doing my masters after baby is born, not sure how soon after though lol.

You're right about the rule makers! This is my 2nd degree, as the one I'm doing now is accredited. I'm averaging high 2.1's, one point off first usually. Always keep up to date with timekeeping, studies, attending class on time etc. Yes I will definately be paying tax again into the system, as I was before.

And, being broke has taught me the value of money, and how to REALLY economise and eat well too.

There are good sides to being broke, but as a pregnant woman, I have to take extra care of myself and buy products etc for baby. Thought those in power would have taken that into consideration. Still I guess, cutting hedges, building a duck pond and claiming as much on expenses is on par with how the Tory party are behaving.

Watching them cut peoples benefits, penalise them with bedroom tax, and cut disability benefits shows they are not in touch with 'real' people.......

Have you tried applying for housing benefit?

I received £75 per week on JSA and currently £135 with mat allowance - have had the same outgoings on rent, bills etc.

To be honest £135 a week is more than I expected to get, but it is still a struggle as husband on a basic wage too. We're having to use savings that were intended for a house but sure the baby will be worth it.

Yes I qualify for housing benefit, but again, only a small percentage, so a very large chunk of my maternity allowance goes towards rent, council tax and bills. This leaves not much left.

Totally understand luckyowl28 and your dilema too! Baby will definately be worth it, just wondering why 'blooming tories' have to make it so hard for those trying to better themselves, and families as a rule.......

I think that's the point though lilly - your maternity allowance is meant to pay for your rent, council tax and bills while you aren't working. Maternity allowance and statutory maternity pay is only really enough to survive on.

On JSA you would get half the money you get on MA, and you might not get your entire rent paid anyway.

I'm self employed and my last day is tomorrow so will be getting MA, dh also out of work but as just had a 4 week temp job, has to wait 6 weeks until he can sign on and then you have to sign on for a set number of weeks before some of the other benefits kick in. We are well and truly stuffed from April so are looking at getting advice but one thing I do know is that you do NOT automatically get your rent etc. paid for being on JSA - when my dh has signed on the other times he's got nothing extra than JSA and that's with me earning a low annual figure. But I was able to get extra tax credits as already had 2 children but still a massive struggle. I understand your concern as I'm VERY worried about finances myself, I just don't think you can compare to JSA as this varies a hell of a lot from person to person.

Whether you are on MA or JSA you would be able to apply for means tested Housing and Council Tax Benefits so you are in no different position.

I am guessing you must have some other income (other than the MA - whether is yours or your partner's obviously I can't say, or some savings) - otherwise you would definitely be entitled to a more significant chunk of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit on an income of £135 per week.

Hope to help.