Family of 3- How much to live on?

ironman1

Thanks for the voucher forum I will keep an eye on that. Does anyone know what we are actually entitled to? All seems confusing.

I know we don't get the Grant for £190 as we are a few days late. We don't get the £500 as we both work.

My gf will get 6 weeks Maternity pay from work and then just the statutory rate of £125(?) a week.

What else do we actually get if anything please?

Both work (at the moment) live in a Shared Ownership new build, not on great money. What other 'requirements' are needed to get some sort of help?!

jcr16

with the grant( £500 ones), we weren't eligable as we both worked, so thought that meant end of. once our dd was born we were eligable as we then qualified for tax credit's.

don't write the grant off until the baby has been born , as you might find you are. our dd was born in the oct, sent off form in the nov once tax credit had been sorted, never gave it a second thought and was very surprised to find a cheque in the post middle of the dec.

ironman1

Been doing a bit more research. I really don't think we qualify for the benefits. Will be really hard after the SMP stops but I will worry about that nearer the time. Just wish there was more overtime etc but I know this year will be quiet!

pupsicola

Citizens advice bureau are really good for letting you know all you are entitled too. Ask the midwife about healthy start vouchers too. You may qualify and they send you vouchers monthly of around £15 to spend on milk, fruit and vegetables. May help a little

We have always found "kiddicare" to be very good value for all things baby related. They are based in Peterborough but they are online. They deliver and we have never had any problem with them.

Asda baby events are good. Do you have any friends/family with slightly older kids. I've saved a fortune with my kids by accepting hand-me-downs with clothes etc. Then passed it on and helped others when mine have outgrown them

ironman1

Yeah we have a couple of babies in the family that are a few months old up to about two. So we got a few clothes. We also have friends expecting their first baby in October so we can help them out aswell.