HELP! Apologies if asked before but new mum and need advice on benifits

newbie2012

Hi There.

I am due my first child next year in January.

My partner and I earn £26000 each a yr. Apparently we are not entitled to tax credits as it looks at last years salary even though my maternity pay is 6 weeks and I'll be off work for 6 months!!

We have tried the Directgov website and it's hard to assertain what if anything i'll be entitled to and I need to know so that I can try and get used to budgeting early. I cannot save as i'm already clearing c/cards etc as quick as I can. Our mortgage and bills is over £1750pm so I am panicking but I appreciate you can never plan a child.

Could someone please tell me what we would be entitled to, we claim no other benifits and have no pensions or savings etc.

nannytone_2

the cut off for child tax credits is 26k, so even on just your partners income and £35 a week maternity allowance, you will be over this threshold.

you will get child benefit though

newbie2012

Can I ask a stupid question. I wont be earning this when I have the baby though will I. I'll be on whatever the SMP is only and am I right in saying thats only paid for 36 weeks when I'm off for 6mths?

kj*daisy

Your partner is earning it though, they take both your incomes into account, so you are unlikley to get tax credits but will get child benefit.

Pricivius

newbie2012 wrote: »

... but I appreciate you can never plan a child.

I beg to differ...

In any event, you get SMP for 39 weeks in total, with the first six weeks paid at 90% of your weekly salary. As you are only taking 26 weeks off, you should be fine.

newbie2012

I've worked out child benifit is £20.30 a week. So I now need to understand how to work out SMP, any takers?!

KiKi

newbie2012 wrote: »

Our mortgage and bills is over £1750pm so I am panicking but I appreciate you can never plan a child.

What might really help you, OP, is to post a Statement Of Affairs (all your incomings and outgoings) on the Debt-Free forum. It's not just for people in debt, but people who need to budget better, and this might really help you.

The fab people there can also help you make sure you're paying your debt off in the right way that will get it paid most quickly, and cost you the least.

If you go to that board on this forum, look at the top 'sticky' post for the link to the SOA, fill it in and post it, then people may be able to help.

KiKi

newbie2012

Thanks Kiki but other than a £1000 credit card it's just the mortgage we have to manage x

nannytone_2

SMP is about £135 a week

Pricivius

As nannytone states, £135.45 per week is the standard rate. Some companies pay more so check this.

newbie2012

Thanks guys, this gives me a start xx