child benefits/tax credits help needed

cheesesarnie

hi..

looks like the wife may be pregnant with first child...

need to start working out now how we're going to afford things...

we currently earn approx £21k each...

want sort of benefits/payments etc can we expect while she is off work?

thanks

p.s i haven't a clue about this sort of thing..
thanks

Scarlett1

congratulations, have a look at www.entitledto.co.uk

TheWaltons_3

You are entitled to child benefit at about £18 a week for your first child, plus you will get about £545 a year from the Child Tax Credit.

Now there is a 1yr Maternity Leave Law I believe, so she will receive money from her employer at a set amount each week OR if she isn't entitled to this, she will receive Statutory Maternity Pay from the DSS.

Also, your wife will get 1yr free Dentist treatment (non cosmetic) and 1 year free prescriptions from Drs.

I hope this helps

kelloggs36

For the first year the CTC is double

kelloggs36

The free prescriptions and dental is free for the year after the birth PLUS the duration of the pregnancy, so the earlier she gets her midwife appt the better

cheesesarnie

Heaven knows how people afford the bit while off work...forgetting the addition cost involved in having a child

Baby_J_2

I also got a £500.00 Maternity Grant, but this depends on the Family Element of the CTC once your baby is born. You have to ring the Job Centre for this form.

farmhand

We have an eight week old boy at home and we`re wondering if anyone knows the best type of savings account to open for him? Do we go to a bank or a building society? Does anyone have any suggestions?