claiming benefits after maternity leave

dannib_2 · 19 October 2004 at 6:30PM

Hi,

Would just like some advice if poss!!

I am currently on maternity leave and due back 1st November, but I'm not going to return to my work.

I would like to get another job, but have left it too short notice to find one before then as I need part time work and not alot of it about in my area.

I live with my partner, and what I need to know is:
Can I claim Jobseekers allowance until I find another job??

I've tried phoning the job ccentres and I just get passed from one person to another without any real answer!

Thanks

Danielle

Spendless · 19 October 2004 at 7:51PM

What is the reason for you not returning to your job?
When I had my eldest in 2000 I didn't return to work asit would have meant returning full-time(the company did not employ part-timers then). Several months later we fell on hard times, so I applied for JSA based on my NI Contributions.
Though I was paid the JSA -I had a letter asking me why I hadn't returned to my job and that my case would be looked into to see if they would continue to pay JSA. ie I was treated as though I had packed my job in of my own accord (which technically I had)- I was sent several letters asking me questions about why I had not returned to my job after the birth of my son. As it happens I found a job before a decision was reached.
I can't remember exactly but I think I also had to be looking for a full-time job- but it's a few years ago now so can't be sure of details

dannib_2 · 19 October 2004 at 7:58PM

The reason for me not going back is cos the company only can have me back full time - which I dont want to do.

I can arrange child care for part time hours, but not full time.

this is the only reason I dont want to return to them.

ta

Spendless · 19 October 2004 at 8:03PM

Hasn't their been a change in the law recently that says companies have to consider part-time working for their employees? I don't think they have to do it, just they have to consider.

Spendless · 19 October 2004 at 8:18PM

Just a thought but have you looked into any CTC or WTc you may be entitled to once your income drops?

dannib_2 · 19 October 2004 at 11:03PM

Yeah, firms do have to consider any employee that wants to work part time after having a baby, but my company are currently struggling and have recently been taken over (due to going into administration) and have to sort themselves out before changing any staffs wages & hours etc...

I am currently claiming child tax credit, but do not qualify for working tax credit.

Thanks

Fran · 20 October 2004 at 5:09AM

Hi Danielle,

If your partner is working at least 16 hours then you should be entitled to Working Tax Credit.

See -Citizens Advice Website - Adviceguide

You should make a joint claim with your partner.

dannib_2 · 20 October 2004 at 12:31PM

I done the online - do I qualify? thing on the inland revenue website and all we qualify for is CTC.

I phoned up to see why we dont qualify, and they said that we have to have an income of less than 13000 a year! Not many couples earn less than this!!

Having just looked at the link you gave, it says £50,000 or more then you dont qualify!

My partner earns about £22000 a year, and I will not longer have an income, so why do they still take that into consideration?? they ask for april 03 til april 04 wage.

Do you think I should query this again with the Inland Revenue??

Thanks for your help

Danielle

Spendless · 20 October 2004 at 12:43PM

Hi
you should tell CTC about your change in income when you stop work. I assume that if you are in receipt of CTC you already have a child? You should also tell them once your new baby is born as you will be entitled to an extra amount until the baby is 12 months old.

Could you not get a part-time temp xmas job?

Babies are expensive I know - have sent you a pm in case you want to chat

sarahlouise210 · 20 October 2004 at 4:13PM

as in previous reply I am assuming you already have at least one child as you are already getting Child tax credit-as you have a newborn you get an additional family element so Child tax credit should increase-tax credits are worked out using previous years details but you can explain your change of circumstances and they will send you a new award-assuming you have one child plus one baby and an income of 22000 per year you should get about 1500 per year (this year while your child is under one) in Child tax credit - go to https://www.entitledto.co.uk to enter your actual details-it is easier to complete than the revenue site and gives advise on other benefits available you will not qualify for working tax credit

Fran · 20 October 2004 at 4:37PM

Danielle,

I would suggest a visit to your local Citizens Advice Bureau or other Welfare Benefits advisor. They will be able to check exactly what benefits you should be getting. Take your income details from the tax year '03-'04 so they can do a WTC/CTC calculation for you.

You won't be entitled to Jobseekers Allowance because you have to make a joint claim and your partner's income will be taken into account.

claiming benefits after maternity leave

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