Maternity Leave Advice

[Lillie1]

Hi everyone,

New to this site and i’ve just found out I’m expecting my first child - i’m 10 weeks. The father has decided he doesn’t want involvement and made it clear i can’t expect any support from him.

Looking at maternity pay and I’m starting to feel a little stressed and maybe i’ll be a bad mam. My company pay 15 weeks enhanced and I won’t be able to afford to go onto SMP.

Has anyone returned after 15 weeks or shorter?

You probably will be entitled to UC while on maternity leave even if you're not normally. It's based on your income at the time - so your standard SMP payment.

He also doesn't get to choose what he pays and when. Make sure you put in a claim for maintenance.

You say your only entitled to child benefits have you worked that out on what you are currently earning or maternity. Do the calculations as if baby is here and your on maternity you should be able to get something my partner works and we
We're able to get help while I was on maternity xx

I'd be cautious with your WFH so won't need childcare plans.... depending on your job and your employer this could be very difficult/impossible!

Take a look at the numerous other threads on the topic of WFH with kids... not looking to open that can of worms here!

@Lockdownmummy

I'd be cautious with your WFH so won't need childcare plans.... depending on your job and your employer this could be very difficult/impossible!

I’m very fortunate, i’m in a senior position and manage my work around my life now. I’m on call 24/7 even on annual leave so i get perks and manage my own time.

@Dspx

You say your only entitled to child benefits have you worked that out on what you are currently earning or maternity. Do the calculations as if baby is here and your on maternity you should be able to get something my partner works and we We're able to get help while I was on maternity xx

I did work it out on my salary, i’ll change to SMP and see what it comes out at. X

He feels he should not pay maintenance 1) he will give the child money on his terms

Nope. Not how it works. He will have to pay child maintenance and it can be taken out of his wages before he receives them.

You've got 6 months to save hard, to cover you for a few more months after the 15 weeks. And you accrue AL while on mat leave, so you can tag that on too.

But honestly, you'll probably find it very difficult to work while baby is at home. You'll need childcare if at all possible, no matter how flexible your diary and employer may be.

@Lillie1 amazing if it works, we spend a small fortune on nursery!

But being on call 24/7 sounds full on so don't underestimate the potential impact of a baby on top of that.....

You need childcare.

Millions of parents attempted to work from home without childcare in 2020 - it was HORRIBLE. I literally cannot be stronger about this because it's not doable long term.

Newborns sleep lots, but once they're on the move you can't work and care for them. Once their toddlers it's hell on earth.

Save like nuts now. Address your current outgoings, what can you change / get rid of, claim benefits your entitled to and make the father pay.

@Lillie1

Thank you, I don’t feel so bad now. I have family very close. He feels he should not pay maintenance 1) he will give the child money on his terms 2) he doesn’t want it so why should he pay! However a lot can change over the next several months.

He doesn’t get a choice.

All the standard advice.
Claim CMS
Give the child your name
Do not put him on the birth cert.

In terms of yourself… start scanning free cycle and Facebook marketplace now.
I got a tonne of stuff from there. A lot is free and/or heavily discounted when only lightly used… cot, baby bouncers etc are often given away for free or a token amount.
Also join boots baby club they give away of a lot of bits for free.