Maternity Benefits

[Giulia123]

Hi I recently left my job of 10 years and had intended to pursue consultancy opportunities which will be on a self employed basis. During my notice period I fell pregnant and have been suffering since with completely debilitating migraines which have prevented me from taking on any consultancy work during this period ( I am in the second trimester). My plan was to work flexibly on a self employed basis up to giving birth however at the moment that is unfathomable given the pain I am in daily. Does anyone know if I would qualify for any benefits or allowances during this time as it’s going to be tough without my income during this time. Thankfully my husband can support the bills but it is scaring me that I am so incapacitated by this pain (for which I am seeking medical help) and that I cannot work. Thanks

What you may be entitled to depends entirely on your household income OP.

Depending on work & dates you may be eligible for maternity allowance once baby is born.

Hi, similar scenario with myself here, I also get frequent and severe migraines so I can sympathise! My husband works but we are both in a lower end of income, so I understand the stress of finances and being off on maternity leave.

I am a music teacher in a local school of music, but technically self-employed as not on the books. So I recently registered as self-employed and sent off the Maternity Allowance form. It's a long 24page document off the government website but it's not as bad as it looks because half of it likely won't be applicable. I don't really have any advice to offer exactly but maybe look into the MA form and see what you're entitled to. I really hope you get sorted (I also hope I get some sort of maternity allowance also😂) you're definitely not alone x

Thank you I will have a look at the form. And sorry to hear you’re struggling with this too.How do you manage the pain? Paracetamol does not work at all for me and so I’m starting accupuncture on Tuesday and hoping to be referred for a nerve blocker in the back of my head which is apparently pregnancy safe!

Have a look at new style ESA.

Agreed, paracetamol does absolutely nothing for me either. 😅 I've found that my migraines have worsened in their frequency since getting pregnant, must be the hormones.
In terms of coping with them, I actually find applying some diluted peppermint oil on my temples, and the back of my neck helps. Also a big bag of frozen peas or something really cold, wrap in a tea towel and over my eyes helps almost more than anything else. Good luck with the injection, let me know how you get on!! Must look into it myself 😊