In a pickle......

xotrollydollyxo

Hiya,

I was wondering if anybody can help me and/or give me any advice on what I am entitled to, what my rights are etc.. because I am totally clueless and very worried and panicking right now.

I currently have approx. £9k of debt from various credit cards and overdrafts and am on a DMP with cccs where I pay £250 a month. I've been on the plan for around 18months and my estimated DFD is Nov 2014.

I have just found out I am pregnant and am unsure of how I am going to be able to keep up payments on my DMP during and after pregnancy.

I work as an airhostess but only have a seasonal contract which expires 31st october so I won't be entitled to any maternity pay, although from what I understand I will be able to get Maternity allowance?

My other half is currently unemployed but is actively searching for work everyday but claiming job seekers at the moment.
We both live with our parents at the moment and I just have no idea what we are entitled to, what help we would get? if any? what to do about the debts? is it better to look into declaring myself bankrupt? im so confused and any help would be SO appreciated!!

Thanks so much xoxo

TeamNicholson

First of all, don't panic. Secondly congratulations. Yes you should be entitled to Maternity allowance which is approx £130 per week. Check here http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/moneytaxandbenefits/benefitstaxcreditsandothersupport/expectingorbringingupchildren/dg_10018869 for details.

You should also qualify for child tax credits you can use the Do I qualify calculator on HMRC website (trick is to enter in that you have a child that was born yesterday so answer 1 child and date of birth put yesterdays date, this will allow you to get an idea of how much child tax credit you would get.) You will of course get child benefit which is 81.20 a month.

Work out what you expect your income (even if only consisting of benefits) will be and contact your DMP to let them know.

vickthestick

Congratulations And don't panic. It's not good for baby. And it's only money.
When you say you both live with parents, is that you live with yours and he lives with his, or you live together at one of your parents'? You could speak to the council about housing. With a baby on the way they may be able to help.