Single and Pregnant

Anne26

Hi all, after some advice really, especially from anyone who's been in this situation.

I'm nearly 5 months pregnant and it appears as though i'll be doing this on my own. The babys father suffered with mental health problems some time ago, and it appears to have started up again.

luckily he still has his own place. i've been looking into benefits, childcare help etc and am a bit confused....when looking on entitledto website, it appears as though i'd be better off if I worked less hours (after my maternity leave).

Anyone know if this site is accurate?

Any advice on this sort of thing would be of great help.
Thanksxxxxxxx

mum2one

entitledto is pretty accurate website, its a goverment run website, so you know ur not being led up the garden path, As a single parent if u go back to work at 16 hours your be entitled to working tax credits, child tax credit, it all depends on your income.

without knowing your housing you may be entitled to some benefit towards it, its always worth throwing a few figures into the system.

Congratulations on the pregnancy. xx

Anne26

Thanks, it's my first and want to enjoy it. That's why i'm trying to sort all of the financial side out.

xmaslolly76

Hi op

I can well believe you will be better off it is the same with me once i have factored in the childcare costs i am better off not working full time. As others have said have a play with entitledto.com and see what figures it throws out at you.

Congratulations and i hope everyhting goes well :-)

Anne26

I've had another go, it look as though i'll be about £100 down each month. Its going to be a struggle, but with positive thinking I hope it will work out. Phew.

briona

Anne26 wrote: »

I've had another go, it look as though i'll be about £100 down each month. Its going to be a struggle, but with positive thinking I hope it will work out. Phew.

Hi Anne

As it's your first, I'm not sure if you're aware of the following benefits/grants. Not everything will be relevant to you, but they are all worth a look.

As you're working you should be entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay (currently the first 6 weeks at 90% of your pay and the remaining 33 weeks at £123.06 or 90% of your weekly pay, whichever is lower). See: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/moneytaxandbenefits/benefitstaxcreditsandothersupport/expectingorbringingupchildren/dg_10018741

If you aren't eligible to SMP, you should qualify for Maternity Allowance (currently £123.06 for a maximum of 39 weeks). See: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Expectingorbringingupchildren/DG_10018869

Obviously once the baby is born you will get Child Benefit (currently £20pw for the first child and £13.20pw for each subsequent child). http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/childbenefit/index.htm

Other than that, there is the Health in Pregnancy Grant – a one off payment of £190 which can be claimed from the 25th week of pregnancy. Further details on the link. http://campaigns2.direct.gov.uk/money4mum2be/en/

Then there's Tax Credits. Using the first link, click "Do I qualify" from the left hand menu to check whether you're eligible. The second link just gives you a lot of info on Tax Credits.
http://taxcredits.hmrc.gov.uk/Qualify/WhatAreTaxCredits.aspx
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits/start/who-qualifies/index.htm

Briona

Anne26

Thanks Briona.
I 'm thinking of booking an appointment with CAB.
I hope it all works out.

elliebobs

Anne26; also remember that when claiming tax credits to deduct up to £100 of SMP from your earnings as it is disregarded. A lot of people don't realise this unfortunately, although the notes do say to do this.
Hopefully that might bridge the gap a bit more.