Maternity pay ends soon what can I do?

cheekyemma

Hi there,

I need some advice please! Im currently on state maternity pay following the birth of my daughter in May, this ends on the first week of January. I really dont want to go back to work as I am loving being an mum and dont want her to go into childcare because a) I couldnt afford it and b) dont want someone else having the pleasure of bringing up my baby!
However,I dont think my husband on I could survive on just the one wage. Is there any support out there that we would be entitled to? I realy am loving being a mum but there is so much financial pressure to return to work. Im a bit stuck!

clairec79

You'd be entitled to working tax credits and child tax credits - however if you've been on SMP since May I wouldn't imagine it would be at a higher rate than you should be getting anyway. entitled to should give you an idea when you input in husbands wages.

You may find it's not a huge amount you make from being in work - once you take off travelling and childcare, plus spending more on lunch etc.

Otherwise could you come to some sort of compromise - financially do you earn more? would the finances work better with your dh at home? could you go back part time (possibly working round his hours so the baby always has one of you?)

GarethK

We have the same dilemma. Financially we would be ok with the extra 4-500 a month that my OH brings in, but she is suffering from post-natal depression, and hates her job at the care home. The staff bully her, the residents punch and grab her and by the end of the day she is physically and emotionally shattered.

We do claim WTC and CTC but WTC will end as of next April because we would be earning too much, according to the guidelines.