Lost job whilst pregnant - can I claim anything?

chonorla

Sorry -title should really say whilst on maternity leave!

I was due to return to work on 5th January after being on maternity leave (SMP). Unfortunately I was told in December that the company I worked for was closing (charity based service that had no more funding) and therefore I had no job to return to in january. I have worked for them for just over 2 years (2 years and 2 months).

I have 2 questions I hope someone can help me with

1. If my last month of smp is not paid ( rumours this may happen) - do the dwp have to pay it?

2. Also. can I claim anything ie job seekers whilst I look for another job? I am married, partner earns £25,000 and we have 2 children. I need to go back to work and will be actively looking.

Any advice or ideas greatly appreciated - as I have had some conflicting advice from people!

pinkshoes

I would get yourself down the CAB (book an appointment first - I hear they're very busy), and they'll tell you exactly what you can claim until you find another job.

Have you posted your CV with online recruitment firms to start the job search?

DaisyFlower

Not sure re the SMP & the government paying it but CAB will confirm that for you.

Benefit wise, you should be able to get contributions based JSA if you've been working, it lasts for 6 months but you wont qualify after that for income based JSA as your family income is too high.

FA and tax credits will remain the same, unless you were claiming any childcare assistance which will obviously stop.

chonorla

Thanks for that - I've been job searching since I found out in December but I'm afraid no luck yet but will keep trying. Not a lot round where I live at the moment that I can fit round a baby.

As for the jobseekers allowance I've just made an online application for that - just wasnt sure whether it was worth filling in the forms because I've had such mixed opinions on that one - but fingers crossed ! And thanks.

I've tried to make an appointment with my local CAB - but they never answer the phone ! Will keep trying with this one because I've been trying to get hold of my ex-boss about my last maternity payment but no luck whatsoever. Doesnt answer her phone, return phone calls etc !!

She was like that when I worked for her - so guess its just another one to keep trying !!

chonorla

Thanks to those that replied - I'm entitled to jobseekers allowance (Contribution based) and I never had to worry about my last maternity pay - my company paid it. Got it all sorted before I could even get an appointment at the CAB - that cant be a great job at the moment with the way things are going .
So off to join the land of job seekers now....