Maternity Allowance - how long does it take to come through?

foreversomeday

I've recently stopped work to claim Maternity Allowance (I am self employed, and you have to have stopped working before you can even make the claim - then it is all done by post.) And as a result, we are short on money until it comes through.

I was just wondering what others have experienced with how long it takes to come through? On a pregnancy forum I am a member of they say they have backlogs of 6 weeks or 3 months!!

I don't know what to do now - we really need that money. Our monthly bills - literally the essentials - come to £1530. My partner earns about £933 a month after tax and we have no other income. He should be able to get Working Tax Credit but it is all based on last year's income and I was working full time then so we are not eligible and I have been advised all we can do is make an application for a Tax Credit rebate in April.

We don't have savings as we have spent them to cover the cost of a more family friendly car, and baby equipment. We are in the process of finding out whether we can get credit at an amount we can repay but I'm just finding this all ridiculous.

Does anyone know if I can find out whether there is a backlog and if there is anything I can do to get it speeded up? What have your experiences been with MA?

mummytofour

Have you spoked to tax credits? You maybe entitled to more but it depends on how much you have earned so far this year. You should call them and give them details of your now zero income.

foreversomeday

mummytofour wrote: »

Have you spoked to tax credits? You maybe entitled to more but it depends on how much you have earned so far this year. You should call them and give them details of your now zero income.

Yes, I have. They have sent out a claim pack and I just need my DF's details to send off, but it was HRMC (who deal with tax credits) that I spoke to on the phone and they advised me because last year's income says we are not eligible, the only thing I can do is apply and then appeal when it gets refused. I just hope it isn't all a huge waste of time because I can see that easily taking 4 or 5 weeks and I am due in about 5 and a half!