Maternity pay

[Baby160P]

Does anyone know how the statutory maternity pay works?

From online I can see it's something like £140 per week, was looking at child tax credits but you have to earn under £25k to be entitled to it.

Anyone aware of any £ help as £140 per week won't get me far!

@RachaelT I did hear that. Hoping it isn't the case as I work my socks off for them.

That's sounds good I think we have agreed to do the same 😂 xx

Is everyone entitled to child benefit? I thought it was only for those on a low income? Sorry I'm really new to this and although only early in pregnancy I'm worried about how I'm going to cope and not wanting to rely on my partner for everything 😕

£140 really is nothing. We've got savings to cover us for this time because it's really peanuts.

Also if they're going to give such a rubbish amount at least do it for 12 months not 9!!!

emma911030 you are entitled to child benefit if you (and partner if applicable) earn below £50k (individually). For every £1k over that threshold you earn the benefit goes down by 10%. If you earn £60k+ you are not entitled to it.

Is it only 6 weeks at 90%? Its 6 months where I am and I thought this was standard, jeez as said, many people would be better off if they were signed off sick! Extra stress when you really don't need it :(

Where are you based @barleyfive?

England

@barleyfive where abouts? I'm in Essex and gov.uk say 6 weeks....

If your working in England @barleyfive (which I assume living in Essex you are) you work for a very generous company! Six weeks is what most companies offer as it's the minimum required by law.

Just realised I've mixed up information from more than one person.... ooops baby brain kicking in already!

Everyone is entitled to claim child benefit. If you earn between £50 and £60k then some needs paying back by the high income earner using self assessment tax return. Once you reach £60k it all gets paid back. Alternatively you can claim child benefit but opt out of getting the payment. This means you get NI credits plus your lo will get their NI number automatically when they turn 16

@dementedpixie sorry if this is a dumb question but I'd assumed I wasn't entitled to child benefit but just had a thought - if your maternity pay brings you below those thresholds can you claim for that year?

Anyone can claim. It's not a case of not being entitled to it as you can claim it regardless of income. The high earner would them pay some or all of it back via a tax return