tax credits, basic family element query

mhacon

hi, i'm 5.5 months pregnant and have just lost my job (they didn't like me being pregnant but used another made up reason...i'm looking at legal options). We are having to drastically cut back and i'm looking at everything that could help. Husband has good, reasonably paid job but we have to cut £1k a month from our outgoings to avoid going bankrupt

due to me being new in my job (Sept 09) I don't even think i'm going to qualify for MA so will have to try for Incapacity Benefit (can't remember the new name for it, sorry) to help out until i'm fit enough to get a new job at the first opportunity. baby due May and thats likely to be July if anyone will employ me :j

i'd heard about the Sure Start Maternity Grant and it says you have to receive higher than the Basic Family Element of CTC. We currently get £200ish a month in CTC based on last years earnings (Husband was made redundant but has since started work, CTC fully up to date)

Can anyone tell me what the weekly Basic Family Element is before I get my hopes up of actually possibly receiving the grant?

TIA

slscarborough

You are well above the basic family element so will qualify for the maternity grant as it is £545.00 a year.

Sorry cannot help you with any of your other questions but which you all the best.

wornoutmumoftwo

Take a look at entitledto.com, that should give you a rough idea. But you get more while a baby is under one, it will drop down on their first birthday.
You cn also apply for a surestart grant to help with initial costs.