Living on Statutory Maternity Pay!!!

[singlemumtobe]

Hi everyone, I've just found out I'm pregnant and going to be a single mum. I am working full time and am worrying about how I am going to cope financially on maternity leave as getting the SMP will only just cover my mortgage. Can anyone advise thanks!

we managed to change our mortgage from 25 - 35 year (it reduced our re-payments from over £1000 per month to £790) It didn't cost anything to change and wont cost anything for us to change back when i go back to work. I was surprised how helpful the mortgage company were.

you might be able to take a mortgage break.

congrats btw and good luck

Congratulations!

Have a look at Working Families , which seems to be the successor to the Maternity Alliance. They will be able to help you work out which other benefits you'll be entitled to during your maternity leave. It does sound like you might need to be rethinking your financial situation not just for the maternity leave but also when/if you return to work and have childcare costs to think about.

Sorry to ask this, but is the baby's father going to contribute financially? Either voluntarily or via the CSA?

I took 2 weeks off. For I think 6 weeks you get I think 90% pay which for some of us means in reality you only really have 6 weeks material leave in the UK, if you need the money.

congrats, yes,had this and you get 90% of yr salary for 6 wks, then 20 weeks at £105? (i think).

congrats, yes,had this and you get 90% of yr salary for 6 wks, then 20 weeks at £105? (i think).

congratualtions- you are also entitled to child tax credit and working tax credit - only if you take the 6 months unpaid the working tax people class you as unemployed - not sure why!! plus you get child benefit - i have managed to have my 6 months off and not be any worse off - you are also entitled to ask for flexible working when you return to work - i am in the process of applying to work from home - good luck x