Maternity pay, help with rent etc

keelyh_2

Hello,
I am new to this site so not sure if I am posting on the correct thread.

I am due to start maternity leave in November, but my SMP is a lot less than what I expected. There is no possible way that myself and my partner can afford our rent during this time. I was wondering what options there are or what advice anyone might be able to provide.

The problem is, my partner is self employed and due to the current climate his work is all over the place and can not expect a stable wage. Based on my SMP this does not even cover half our rent!

Does anyone know where we can go for advice as I have looked around and can not find any help or support. I am going back to work after my maternity leave, so will only need help for a year. The problem I'm finding is that our household income is not based as 'low' even though my monthly income will more than halfed while I'm on maternity leave.

thank you for any help.

becky2308

if you speak to your local council they should be able to advise you on housing and council tax benefit.

DX2

Do you claim working tax credits already?

You should also apply for housing benefit (LHA) and council tax benefit if you are on a low income.
Once the baby is born you will get child benefit and child tax credits

keelyh_2

thanks for you help. I going to make an appt to see our local CAB.

No, we do not currently claim working tax credit. I didn't think this was something we were entitled too as we are both in employment.

I also didn't think we would be entitled to housing benefit (LHA) and council tax benefit. Because we are not classed as low income. Which we are not, when we are both working and when I am receiving my normal wage. But while I'm on SMP, our income will be low as I will only be receiving £97 pound per week! But I didn't think that still counted, as we are classed as full time employment. It's so confussing! I'm hoping a visit to the CAB will clear things up and explain what we can and can't do more.

Thank you.