Based on financial reasons alone, do I work or be a SAHM?

[TreadmillMom]

Okay jury, I need your opinions please.
Would you get out of bed for this?
I currently have 2 DSs oldest at school, youngest private childcare (and I'm 10 weeks pregnant, shh).
I work 3 days a week in a job where the salary was pro rated from full time, so very good actually.
Unfortunately, my current role is being made redundant in 3 weeks and I am utterly disgusted at the part time work market.
I've had a call from an agency this morning with an interview for a local company.
25 hours per week spread across 5 days at £7.17 an hour. With DS1 after school club and DS2 nursery I'll be spending £494 per month on childcare, my salary calculates to £776.75 per month leaving me £282.75 for bills, life etc.
The alternative, in the face of redundancy I can claim off my mortgage insurance which contributes £325 per month, claim Contributions Based Job Seekers Allowance at £200 per month for 6 months, no childcare costs and lots of time with the kids. Later I can claim Maternity Allowance at £112 for 39 weeks.
So jury, based on financial reasons alone, do I work or be a SAHM?
Oh, DH works full time so we could manage on a little less in both scenarios.

Here's how it's likely to work if you claim on your policy:

• you'll have to start signing on with your local jobcentre plus
• you'll be given a job search diary to fill in, detailing how and where you've looked for work, what jobs you've applied for and how/when you're following up
• you'll have a fortnightly appt with your jobcentreplus person who will go through your job search diary and discuss it with you.
• if they're happy you're actively looking for work, they'll sign a form for you to return to your insurer.
• once the form is processed by the insurer, you'll receive your payment.

You may also find that once your 6 months JSA runs out and you're claiming MA that the redundancy cover will cease as you're not working and not seeking work. Worth checking your policy booklet.

go for it and be a sahm.

HappyMummyOfOne interesting, didn't consider that, will check.

bloody hell I hate it when women dont stick together !! I am so sorry you have been made redundant but I deff think you should just put your feet up (theoretically speaking this will never happen with three kids) and enjoy being at home for a few monthes. You have worked all your life and deserve to get a little something back !! Hope your pregnancy is going well i can imagine it being tiresome with the little ones running around ! xx

It is usually a condition of mortgage protection insurance for unemployment that you are actively seeking work.
To learn more visit www.personalaccident.co.uk who give independent PPI advice

Hi do you want my pennies worth????

Your insurance is only gogin to cover you for a certain period of time, probably 6 months. In order to claim you will ahve to show you are actively looking for work, very much how others ahve discribed. From what I remember down to the jobs you ahve applied for!

The fact is you don't really want to go back t work til after the new baby, and i don't blame you for that. You may find that you can apply for jobs and not get one quite easily, remember you would have to ahve an interview and maybe that would be a good time to 'warn' them that you are pregnant and having quite a tough time

Personally I agree that you should only claim if you really are seeking a job but let's be honest its only for a very short time and the amount you are actually gonna get isn't gonna break the bank is it. Its up to you but I think you've made your main up already.

You could give it a go and whats the worst that'll happen? You won't get the money!