Paternity leave and no pay

Aeries

Hi All

Hoping someone wise could help me out here.

My partner is the only one working and earns 14k. We are currently in receipt of housing benefit, council tax benefit and working/child tax credits/child benefit.

As he has not worked for his employer for the right amount of time my husband won't get paternity pay from his employer. I really need him to help me out during this time as I have health problems and 3 other children to look after.

Our baby is due 25/11 but I'm likely to be induced on medical grounds three weeks prior to this. We are on a low income as it is so can't afford for him to lose 2 weeks pay especially at this time of year with heating bills, christmas etc.

Would we be able to claim more housing benefit or income support or something for this time he has off work or do we just have to take the drop in income?

Also, I'm not entitled to SMP or maternity allowance as although I did work, I did not do the required amount of time required to qualify in the last 66 weeks due to illness. I don't qualify for anything other than NI credits under ESA so I've not bothered claiming. Is there anything else I could be entitled to? Somewhere I read perhaps income support but that sounds unlikely

DaisyFlower

Can he not just take annual leave?

If three children and health problems means you need help with having another baby then what plans do you have for when the two weeks are up?

Aeries

Hi There

he can't take annual leave as he has none left - with good reason. He was made redundant last year in December and didn't start work again until end of April - then he developed a health problem (gallstones) that left him in and out of hospital and having surgery. He used what little annual leave he had to take time off work for this so that he didnt lose pay as we were skint enough as it was.

My health problems are pregnancy related and *should* clear up within a few weeks of birth. I need him at home to support me in the early days, not long term.

babymoo

Can parents not help you out?

MrsManda

Sorry I cannot suggest anything with regards to benefits though I suggest you contact your local council's benefits advisors and ask them.
I just wanted to say that you should apply for ESA even if it's just for the N.I. credits as these will help you in the long run should you need to apply for benefits in the future plus they will go towards your contribution to your state pension.
Plus you may be entitled to income based ESA.

oompahloompah

Do you have any savings that could pay the rent/CT not covered by the benefits? I wouldn't imagine (though could be wrong) that benefits are topped up for unpaid paternity leave as the rules (as much as I am aware) give the right to the time off, not necessarily the right to be paid for it. are there friends/family who could help out in the early weeks so that OH doesn't need to take the unpaid leave, or spreads it over a longer period so there is still some money coming in?

Aeries

Hi thanks for the help everyone

I don't have a relationship with my parents or any family for that matter. His mother is retired and living off a state pension so we couldnt and wouldnt ask her. She has a disability which means she can't lift anything so any practical help is ruled out as well. Neither of us have any real friends we can count on, just acquiantances/people I see at school. This is partly my fault as I suffer from severe depression and agrophobia hence not having worked for 12 months. We only have £200 in savings which we have put by for Christmas this year and thats not enough to cover that let alone help with time off. I really do feel boxed in on this one. I don't want to deprive hubby of time with baby and I do need some help, but I don't want to start missing payments on things and spiralling into debt. I guess its just a case of tough luck on us

Duncombe

Aeries wrote: »

Hi thanks for the help everyone

I don't have a relationship with my parents or any family for that matter. His mother is retired and living off a state pension so we couldnt and wouldnt ask her. She has a disability which means she can't lift anything so any practical help is ruled out as well. Neither of us have any real friends we can count on, just acquiantances/people I see at school. This is partly my fault as I suffer from severe depression and agrophobia hence not having worked for 12 months. We only have £200 in savings which we have put by for Christmas this year and thats not enough to cover that let alone help with time off. I really do feel boxed in on this one. I don't want to deprive hubby of time with baby and I do need some help, but I don't want to start missing payments on things and spiralling into debt. I guess its just a case of tough luck on us

What paternity leave arrangments has your partner made already? If money is really going to be a huge issue, he may be best only taking 1 week as opposed to 2.

I would also strongly suggest you use the £200 you have saved for Christmas to keep a roof over your children's heads. They will appreciate that more than any material item.

welshmoneylover

Aeries wrote: »

Hi thanks for the help everyone

I don't have a relationship with my parents or any family for that matter. His mother is retired and living off a state pension so we couldnt and wouldnt ask her. She has a disability which means she can't lift anything so any practical help is ruled out as well. Neither of us have any real friends we can count on, just acquiantances/people I see at school. This is partly my fault as I suffer from severe depression and agrophobia hence not having worked for 12 months. We only have £200 in savings which we have put by for Christmas this year and thats not enough to cover that let alone help with time off. I really do feel boxed in on this one. I don't want to deprive hubby of time with baby and I do need some help, but I don't want to start missing payments on things and spiralling into debt. I guess its just a case of tough luck on us

Bit daft then to have another child isn't it while you don't seem to be able to manage with the ones you've already got!

Good luck anyway.

MrsManda

Aeries wrote: »

This is partly my fault as I suffer from severe depression and agrophobia hence not having worked for 12 months.

Apply for ESA, you may be eligible for IB ESA, or even ESA because you are not eligible for maternity allowance.


you may also be entitled to Disability Living Allowance,

Have you filled out the online Benefits Advisor to see what you may be entitled to?

have a look at the debt free board and fill out a statement of affairs to see if you can budget better to make the most of the money you have.

Aeries

welshmoneylover wrote: »

Bit daft then to have another child isn't it while you don't seem to be able to manage with the ones you've already got!

Good luck anyway.

theres always one. peoples circumstances can actually change in the space of 40 weeks you know!:mad: