Maternity leavd

[Gbanks12]

Hi I am 26 and me and my partner have recently decided to start ttc. I had my implant out in December and have just finished my first cycle. I no it’s still early as I haven’t conceived yet but would prefer to think about things now

I’m interested to know what kind of benefits I could be entitled too. I have spoke to cotezen advice and was told to wait until baby is born before I can find out how much I would be entitled too.

My work only so the 90% pay for 6 weeks and remaining as the rest at the standard rate.

I am struggling to understand how people live on this income. My partner is self employed so income isn’t guaranteed each week.

Anyone with any experiences they can share would be amazing

I’m new to all this so apologies in advance and thankyou x

My work is the same. I just saved prior to TTC to ensure I have enough to cover bills whilst I’m on mat leave.

Well done you. You must’ve really saved a lot. We have been trying to pay as must debt etc off as we could instead of saving. I will use the time ttc to save aswell thanks x

I've managed to save about £5k which isn't tonnes but will keep us until I go back to work.

It's hard but it's only for a short time until I go back. Plus I don't have all my work related expenses like train travel so it should roughly even out.

Other than child benefit you might be entitled to some form of benefit like child tax credit. But generally people either live on one salary or save up before baby arrives. You’re still classed as employed when on maternity leave.

Apart from child benefit (£82.20 a month) you’re only eligible for any benefits that you’d be entitled to when not on maternity leave. Like pp, I did my best to save up before I had my baby and have been putting extra away now she is here given I don’t have commute outgoings etc.

Thankyou for your input. So I will receive 680 altogether to live on and if my partner doesn't have work due to being self employed then we have to try and live on the SMP payments? I just hoped there would be more help for working families that was all

Thankyou for your help and I will do my best to save between now and then

I’m self employed too. I have to save up my own living expenses as £600-odd from gov won’t even nearly cover them. Just the way it is. Your partner should save as much as possible while he is earning to account for the cover for when he’s not (which all self employed people should do anyway!) and I’d advise you also save furiously. It’s really the only way! I guess you may be entitled to tex credits if you’re both on low income?

Unfortunately there will be limited benefits, you might be entitled to working family tax credits when the baby is born.

I mean this kindly but if you will struggle to manage on maternity leave, have you considered whether you will manage if/once you return to work? Childcare costs are very high and there is very limited help with costs until your child is 3.

Would it be possible for your partner to move away from being self employed for now so that he has a stable wage? Ot take on an employed role alongside his self employed work?

We saved enough to pay the mortgage for a year before I went on mat leave which enabled me to take the full year off. If we hadn't done that I would have had to return to work after about 3 months leave.

Hi luckily we are fortunate enough to not have to worry about child care as my family are close and happy to help out. I will save as much as I can between now and then I was just more concerned about paying as much debt off as possible instead of saving. I won't be able to have long off work but I will have as long as we can afford. If I have to go back early then I will be happy to do it for my family. Thankyou for your comments x