working from home while on maternity leave?

vickynleon

hi not sure if i'm posting this in the right section but please move if i havent, i'm just after a bit of advice in regards to working from home.

i'm currently 5months pregnant with baby due 3rd august and realised how little maternity pay is no matter how many hours i am working, so i am just trying to find things i can do from home while looking after a new baby to make some extra income, i also have a 4 year old so i don't want to over do it but i am really hoping that i can make up my maternity pay to my usual pay that i recieve from work, also if i was to work from home would it affect my maternity pay at all and do i have to declare it to work and also do i need to register as self employed to work from home, any help would be appreciated as i'm a bit of a drip and don't have a clue and my brain cells are slowly dissapearing as my pregnancy progresses :rotfl:

piglet25

You are allowed to work a small number of days ( keep in touch days) I think its about 9, but you have to declare these to the job center and the mat pay for that week is reduced accordingly. So, its not worth it to be honest, as any paid work u do will be deducted from the mat pay. Try to enjoy your time with the little ones instead xx

Becles

If you are employed and claiming SMP, you can do as much work as you like on a self employed basis without it affecting your SMP.

If you are claiming MA you can't do any work at all without it affecting your maternity payment.

You would need to register if you went self employed and complete a tax return each year.

vickynleon

thanks for both replies, yes i am employed so it will be statutory maternity pay that i will recieve so thats great that i can work as much as i want. any idea's of things i could do? i'm not the brightest bulb in the box but i can pick things up pretty quickly lol, i'm weary of survey sites and that because i worry that they could be a scam so would love to know of people who actually do things and earn money.

vickynleon

what are all them sites you mention? are they survey sites or something else? why cant i just have a nice win on the lotto, that will do the job

cte1111

I started doing mystery shopping whilst I was on maternity leave. You do need to register as self employed for this. Full details on the MS thread:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3729203

You do need to be able to motivate yourself to get out of the house, which can be hard work with a small baby and 4 year old, but it's good to get out and earn a few quid at least.

cybermum

I did surveys and mystery shopping but it takes a long time to build any of it up,or it did for me!
I work from home now fitting it around me,direct sales but was and is flexible for me so worked for my situation and now allows me to stay home which was the plan

gingergee

Have you thought of taking ironing in or something? my friend did this whilst on mat pay x

vickynleon

gingergee wrote: »

Have you thought of taking ironing in or something? my friend did this whilst on mat pay x

to be honest i'm not to sure people would pay for me to put more creases in their clothes lol, my mum does my ironing for me because both me and my partner work and by the time ry i get home and do food and get my son to work i just want to put my feet up so havent really had much practise lol.
i am interested in mystery shopping, i love going shopping and for meals and things so could really enjoy something like that, i will definetely look into that and see wether its worth my while. thanks for all the replies neways

vickynleon

ok thanks for that, i'll look them up on the net and if i need anymore advice i'll contact you. thanks

Becles

Mystery shopping is difficult with little ones in tow. Some visits stipulate you must be alone or must not take children.

Even if you can take them, they can be very distracting as you've got to keep an eye on them as well as trying to remember the brief and make mental notes about your conversation. I found it's much easier going alone.

Have a look into it, but if you've got nobody who can look after the children, you might find it a struggle.