Self Employed Future Mum... any help?

[deliciastreeter]

Hi everyone :)

I am looking for some advice as googling has made me even more confused if anything!

My partner and I have decided to start trying for a baby. We want to be as prepared as possible so looking more in depth into the financial aspect.

My partner is currently employed and earns on average £27k a year plus overtime. I have been self employed for 3 years and earn a minimum of £16k a year.

I understand that I will be entitled to Maternity Allowance and Child Benefit, but is there any other financial help out there for self employed future mums? It seems to be that if I was single and not working I would be entitled to a lot more help (not just financially but with childcare too!) I didn't know if you could also claim Universal Credit at the same time?

Has anyone else been in a similar position to me or know someone who has?

I know we will probably manage fine on what we have access to but it just seems very complicated and unfair for those who are self employed.

Thanks in advance, Delicia x

If you already claim UC, then Mat Allowance is classed as income and deducted from the amount given.

Have you ran your figured through a Benefit Calculator?

and unfair for those who are self employed

A significant amount of companies only award SMP (pretty much the same amount as SMA) so being self employed is no different there.

What is your work? As SE you are still entitled to a years leave and SMA. You also have 10 KIT days where you can earn money and still be on leave / receive SMA. You can also have access to self generated income without it impacting you. Have a look at precious star vlogs on YouTube. She did a video on this as she’s SE.

also you said partner - seriously consider getting married before the baby. It affords more protections to both of you.