Completely lost money-wise, if anyone could offer their advice?

[zoli13]

I got a grant to do a Masters degree in London this september, and shortly afterwards found out i was pregnant. I have been living with a friend, and surviving by working as a part-time waitress and bartender.

However I had to reduced my hours quite significantly now, and quit the bartending job as it was getting too tiring. I am 18-19 weeks pregnant now, and have no idea how to survive. I am determined to finish my course this September, which involves me staying in London. I have a place to stay until then, but close to no income whatsoever, and i fear this will only get harder when i have to stop waitressing.

I know there are some benefits, but none of them seem to really apply to me. If anyone understands the system a little better, could you offer your advice, i feel completely lost.

Could you get a job where you could sit down like working on a checkout? It would definitely be more comfortable.

Could you get a job where you could sit down like working on a checkout? It would definitely be more comfortable.

I would start at www.turntous.org.uk and see if you can find out more what applies to you. I would also look at www.citizensadvice.org.uk

I'm a bit daunted at your situation - heaven knows how you are feeling! Hope some more knowledgeable people come along.

It does sound like you need to get some work urgently. Office temping agencies? My advice would always be to go to the agency, do the CV and tests or whatever and then just sit there in the agency with a book. If anything comes in then you are there ready to go, and you are not spending money on coffee or heating at home.

Yes i did consider that, but I don't think anyone would hire me with a baby bump thats growing now.

Ive been to citizens advice and they were quite rude, and just gave me a phone number to call which gave the same advice as the gov.uk website

I think in the meantime you must have rights in your waitressing job. Don't leave if you can avoid it. Here's ACAS on the subject.

Do you have any family who could help you?

You can start to get maternity allowance 11 weeks before baby's born and a £500 sure start maternity grant once born and all child benefit.

Hope others can help figure something out in the mean time. I guess the only thing you could do is to look for some temp jobs.

I will try Acas on Monday when they reopen, thank you. As far as I have calculated online I have no rights with my waitressing job because I have no contract. I really should have thought about it before, but it was difficult enough finding a convenient job to fit around my studies.

I think i counted that sometime in mid-February is 11 weeks before the due date. But as it stands, im not sure which maternity allowance or statutory money or payments i am eligible for. I could try to keep working as i did before christmas, but its getting much harder to work the evening shifts they need me for. I feel so confused

Have had a quick look online and child benefit works out at
£20.30 per week. Maternity allowance is £136.78 per week so that's over £600 a month. I have no idea about the rules but there's other things you could be eligible for. I would have thought you could claim child tax credit and you would get the maternity grant.

Can you get any support from yours or the baby's family? The father is responsible for child maintenance.

It may be tough but you will be ok. Keeping posting if you need any support. I have some spare newborn clothes if you need any.

You may also be able to claim housing benefit to help towards rent. Have you tried any of the benefits calculators? There are a few good ones online. Sorry I have no idea ow to do links on my phone.

I wonder if you've managed to get any further help yet OP - I guess maybe not given the time of year.

If I were you I would start telling everyone I could think of (except my employer at this stage). It is amazing how people do start having ideas and offering help if they know your situation.

Does your college have a student hardship fund? (Try your student support office or student union) You might be able to get some additional support from them. The funds are usually reserved for students whose personal circumstances have changed during the course of their students, which seems to be the case in your situation.

Good luck!

I went to an agency when I was 3months pregnant, it was office angels, they were fab and I had two placements. Dont forget that the office is usually full of women, and who may well have heard your situation before. I found them really helpful, try all the agencies and then you can then apply for stat mat pay and leave 11 weeks before your due if you want.

I think you sound very together good luck ! I was worried no one would want me to work for them.

Whoops posted too soon, but I was wrong, agencies have lots if different contracts to fill, short term and long term

Not to add to your worries but i cant help wondering how you will carry on with your course once the baby arrives? You will be so tired and busy that any sort of work and study will be very difficult in the early months. Do you have support/practically and emotionally from people around you? Who will be minding the baby while you attend uni and complete course work as child care will add to your financial burden if you need to pay for it.
I admire your determination and hope these things you already have worked out?

you are right in assuming that benefits dont apply to you. You need to go to your university and your union to get advice. As a masters student on a grant you wont be entitled to means tested state benefits. However, there are other routes of funding available to you as a postgrad student, especially a mum.
These, i dont know, but you could start by looking on student finance england to help, but its a minefield without guidance..
Go to your university.. They are the best source of help for you.

By the sounds of it you wont qualify for means tested benefits. There may be potential to get Maternity Allowance or Statutory Maternity Pay dependant on if you continue to work and/or have earnt above the qualifying thershold. If you are getting student finance you may qualify for extra for having a dependant, and of course there will be child benefit.

Many benefits have changed recently with the introduction of Universal Credit. I'd suggest calling the DWP enquiry line to go through some eligibility questions.

I was on a masters course and got maternity allowance, housing benefit, child tax credits, support with childcare fees and a grant specific to my course. The rules for benefits do not apply to students who are parents as they do to students with no dependants. You need to do lots of research, as some benefits and grants etc affect others. I realise I was extremely fortunate to be able to complete my course, and you too may be able to do it, feel free to pm me any specific questions!

missslack, you've got a point - universal credit may have greatly affected the support available to student parents. All you can do is contact as many agencues as you can and find out what affects what, and how to apply etc.