pregnant and worried about mortgage

Oldernotwiser

DIVA07984 wrote: »

Thanks - i would definately have to work part-time - if i have this baby (possibly be off work for at least 6 months. But i was worried about what happens whilst on maternity leave when from what i am hearing you only get about £100 how will i manage to pay the mortgage etc. How do others cope with this - as single parents??

Working part time and taking this much time off as maternity leave may be luxuries that you can't afford. You really do need to look at Entitled To and find out about tax credits.

pinkshoes

Your first priority is chasing 5 years worth of CSA payments from your ex. Do whatever it takes to make him cough up!

Secondly, is the 18 year old at school still, or working? Will they be leaving home soon?

Other than child support, you don't just get help with your mortgage and benefits for having more children, as that would be rather unfair on those of us with mortgages who don't have children, especially those of us who are working our ar*es off now to pay enough of the mortgage so we can afford kids later on. I know you didn't plan this pregnancy, but just by having sex with someone, you are taking the risk of becoming pregnant.

Having children is a choice, and don't forget that you always have the option of abortion, and given that you are already blessed with 3 children, it is at least worth considering rather than writing off straight away.

Sit down and work out all your finances and try and come up with a solution.

traveller

Hi,
I was in your situation last year! In all honesty from a financial point of view it was a no, no on paper.I already had 3 kids from 15 down to 8.My ex-also the father to all 4 didn't want to know.I had the baby.I am in the civil service so you recieve 6 months full pay in my case.This month I go onto 117.00 per week.My ex gives 250.00 per month-for all children and feels he's doing too much!!! I'm going back to work in january-would have then been off 6 months.I do get tax credits also.I privately rent so I don't have a mortgage,but as others have said list your entitlements first,try for the social fund £500.00(although you can only do this when your 20 weeks gone, at least).I thought I wouldn't get it-I tried anyway and was shocked that I qualified.I'm on my own with all 4 and my little bundle of joy was the hardest and best decision I've ever made.I hope you are able to find all the info you need to do what's best for you.
I wrote this really because it's still fresh in my mind and i'll never, ever forget and confused,scared and sick i felt last year at what at first felt like an impossible situation.Best of luck!

traveller

With all due respect, the opening poster is asking how people cope-not whether morally people agree with unprotected sex.For her sake can we keep on topic please.I think she feels bad enough already.

MrsTinks

DIVA07984 wrote: »

Thanks - i would definately have to work part-time - if i have this baby (possibly be off work for at least 6 months. But i was worried about what happens whilst on maternity leave when from what i am hearing you only get about £100 how will i manage to pay the mortgage etc. How do others cope with this - as single parents??

Others cope by not having 6 months off but returning to work after the minimum maternity leave imposed by the state and working full time. If they still are unable to cope they sell their houses and find cheaper alternatives.

I know you don't want to hear this but you have a duty to the children you already have. Although I haven't seen your SOAs yet right now I can't see how you will be able to pay your mortgage and bills as things stand. If you are unable to get financial commitment from this childs father then I think you should seriously consider what is best for all your children and that includes thinking about abortion. There is no magical solution out there that will "bail you out" with the mortgage and no lender will give you special consideration because you are pregnant or about to have your 4th child.
You either up your income by not taking maternity leave other than what the law states or find another way of increasing your income whilst you are unable to earn. Or you face loosing your home and getting deep into debt making you and all children living with you homeless.
Post the SOA and let's see if there is ANY realistic way to make this work.

ginvzt

What about mortgage holiday? Can't you take a holiday from your mortgage lender for the time you are on maternity leave? I think it depends on who your lender is and how much equity you have in the house.

MrsTinks

Not for 6 months... a month or two maybe.

ginvzt

Well, I know that with Nationwide you can take payment holiday for between 3 and 12 months. So it is possible.

Time off from paying your mortgage
There may be times in the future when you want to take a break from paying your mortgage. Whether you're taking a break from regular employment for a while or starting a family, you can apply to take a payment holiday of between 3 and 12 months.
Certain conditions apply and you must have held a Nationwide mortgage for 1 year or more. Your mortgage must be less than 80% of the value of your home at the end of your payment holiday.

Everyone, lets stop judging and see how we can help. OP is pregnant now and she needs help, not judgement.

Any chance of children doing paper round or something similar to help? Of course, they need to be explained all and that any money they earn would be a great help to bring the little brother/sister up.

My_Fathers_Daughter

It's 6 months with Northern Rock too - one of their reasons for taking a payment holiday is Maternity.

DIVA07984

Thanks for all your replies

My 18 (just turned 18) is at college

And no i did not expect anyone to just GIVE me money - Cause as i stated before i have been working part-time since my last son was two years and worked on and off -childcare dependant with the other two. As for the unprotected sex bit - i have been in a relationship for 3 years - I have never had any pregnancy scares or anything since i gave birth 11 years ago.

Obviously i know what happens -and yes i was using the pill which i have been for over 11 years. Life is not perfect as you sometimes plan - i expected to be with kids dad and have help and assistance - but what i have been left to get on with it. csa have not got anyway even though i have given his address

The current situation i am not sure what will happen so i am trying to see what avenues i may have to take - bearing in mind i did it all 11 years ago which is a longtime.

I am still in shock -I am with the abbey does anyone know if they do payment holidays

Please note that i bought my house by myself to try and give my kids a better life -