Please help!

Mand_x_

I can't really give any practical advice regarding benefits I am afraid, but congratulations x x x One thing I can say is join your local freecycle group. Babies grow so quickly you often find that second hand clothes etc are in excellent condition as my 2 grew so quick they often only had an item one a couple of times before growing out of it. Also keep an eye out on ebay for bundles of clothes it is amazing how cheap they can go for compared to buying brand new. I hope your gf is feeling better soon x

Robbie64

princessdon wrote: »

Being pregnant doesn't mean you can't work so why ESA?

Back to op - benefit wise it's best to live separately, you won't get much help when a couple with you only working 16 hours a week.

If someone is absent from work through sickness and can't get SSP then ESA can be paid. It's nothing to do with being pregnant.

OrkneyStar

OP, ignore those who want to slate you or whatever, this board is for advice and help, some advice has been good. I'd say overall:
1. you really really need to up your hours/do some extra work.
2. your partner and you would be assessed as a couple if she moves in, so no IS, possibly ESA if she really is sick enough not to work (though bare in mind a lot of women work their way around morning sickness), you may still be entitled to housing benefit. Also with increased hours you, as a couple once the baby is born, would possibly be entitled to working and child tax credits, and you will get child benefit.
3. Join freecycle/freegle and see if you can get any baby bits on there- surprising what folk can give away to someone who genuinely needs it! And when buying stuff, don't get fancy things, baby just needs to be clothed and fed and loved! Also car boots and e-bay/local sales and charity shops.
4. Can you sell off anything? Games, clothes anything. Try e-bay or local sales.
5. Once bubs comes if partner can breastfeed that would save money- the little extra food she would need to cover it is likely cheaper than formula.
6. If friends/family ask what gifts you want, ask for practical things or supermarket vouchers.
7. Food- shop later on, look for reduced things.
8. Go over your budget, cut back where you can (eg soap cheaper than shower gel, are you paying too much for leccie, phone etc?).
It may well make sense for partner to stay with parents for a while, but ultimately I imagine you want to be a couple!
Ok hope this helps and doesn't sound patronising!

honey10

It might be worth a look at a benefits calculator. Put in different hours/situations. It might take an hour to get all the possibilities, but its worth checking which situation would be best for you. Fast forward a year into the future with babies birthdate etc and just see.
http://www.turn2us.org.uk/benefits_search.aspx

Bollotom

Also, don't forget that if you are responsible for Council tax you get the single 25% discount which you wouldn't if girlfriend moved in. Look around for a food bank or your local CAB may have ideas. Saw a program on TV about people who raid supermarket skips for good stuff chucked out simply because of the date. Also ask you local NHS health visiting team about free milk and supplements for newborns. Someone already mentioned the benefits calculator, bloody good tool. Heavy morning sickness might mean twins, lol Best of luck...and try to have a good Christmas. :beer:

heartbreak_star

(Text removed by MSE Forum Team)

OP, you need to increase your hours, or do your damndest to find a full-time job. Your gf needs to stay with her parents - this will be the best situation for the baby until you're both on your feet and earning more.

HBS x

FBaby

Assuming she is not long gone (usually morning sickness stops around 12 weeks), you have over 6 months to try to find a full-time job. That's a long time. Why already assume that you will be in the same position in 6 months time if you try hard to look for a full-time job?

Surely the best position for the three of you will be for you to work full-time and your girlfriend to move in with you so you can be a full-time partner and dad?

Plenty of time, start looking everywhere you can, applying to everything you see. Seek advice and support for how to best fill in applications, sort out your CV, and get training to increase your chances of success at interviews. There are no reason why you shouldn't have a good chance to have gained full time employment by the time your baby is born.