Not returning to work after maternity leave

GeCon

Hi,

If I decide not to return to work and the maternity pay will stop after 39 weeks, am I entitled to anything?

I have been working for the last 8 years and paid NI and tax accordingly.

OH has recently lost his job and is only getting JSA. Does anyone know where this would leave me? What would I be entitled to? Anyone in the same or similar situation?

Thanks.

CountryGuy

Is it a good idea to not go back if your oh is already out of work?

jollymummy

I'd give your local benefits office a ring and see if they can help.

GeCon

True and fair point, but I was hoping to spend some more time with our little one as they grow up so fast and I will never get that time back. Plus I didn't really enjoy my old job.

CountryGuy

GeCon wrote: »

True and fair point, but I was hoping to spend some more time with our little one as they grow up so fast and I will never get that time back. Plus I didn't really enjoy my old job.

Only you can make that choice.

I would think that while your OH is out of work you would just make a joint claim, mmm but then again, if you aren't looking for work then would they do that?

Maybe you would have to put a joint claim in for income support?

As the other poster suggested, contact your local benefit office.

Have you used the http://www.turn2us.org.uk/

That would give you some idea of your choice I would have thought.

As I said, only you can make the choice about leaving your job and claiming benefits.

When your oh gets a job you yourself will probably not be able to claim anything, unless things have changed since my kids were younger.

GlasweJen

You can't make a joint claim for income support, income support is only for lone parents, carers and a few other groups that I doubt the OP falls into.

CountryGuy

GlasweJen wrote: »

You can't make a joint claim for income support, income support is only for lone parents, carers and a few other groups that I doubt the OP falls into.

Ah! Okay, thanks for that.

As you have already mentioned, the OP would be best to contact their local benefit office.

I know when our kids were small and wife stayed home with the kids we couldn't claim anything.

nannytone_2

the OP could go on her husbands JSA claim as his dependant. she wouldnt need to be seeking work.

CountryGuy

nannytone wrote: »

the OP could go on her husbands JSA claim as his dependant. she wouldnt need to be seeking work.

Thanks for that, I wasn't sure how JSA worked.