Despairing about Maternity Benefits

KasiaKovic

I am at a very low point after finding out that I am eligible for no benefits when I go on maternity leave for 6 months in a few weeks. I worked for a University for three years before starting my PhD in October last year. This was a seamless jump- one day employed and the next full time student with a stipend of about £4000 every 4 months. I am now pregnant and due on the 20th of September though will be induced at least two weeks earlier due to multiple long term health problems. I have been told that whilst I go on Maternity leave- (which will be 6 months) my stipend is stopped. I will receive no support from the University. I have also been told that I am not eligible for government Maternity Allowance or Tax Credits. I understand that I can apply for child benefit (I understand £20 per week) once my child has been born and tax credits- however the calculator online states that I am eligible for £0 in tax credits. I am also aware that I will at that point have a newborn baby and be managing several medical conditions. I have Crohns, Type 1 Diabetes and have recently been diagnosed with a very rare autoimmune condition which will mean I am likely to be even more unwell in the first weeks or months after giving birth.
The reason that I don't qualify for Maternity allowance is because I was only able to work for 16 weeks in the window provided by them before starting my PhD. I needed to work 26. I though I could pay additional tax and say I was self employed for a while which might take me to the 26 weeks but I have no idea if this is the right thing to do.
I am close to despair. I really just don't know what to do. If anyone can help I would be grateful. Righ now I feel like everything is against me.

Darksparkle

Are you single or do you have a partner?

KasiaKovic

I have a partner. I think it would all be much simpler (though by no means easier!) if I was single

Darksparkle

What was your household income last year and what do you expect it to be this year?

Don't include the stipend.

KasiaKovic

So last year I was on about 25000 per year though this would only have been until end of September 2015. My partner is on 28000. This year our joint income not including the stipend is 28000. My stipend is 16000 per year or there abouts.

marliepanda

There's no need to despair when you have an income of 28k! You're acting like you are going to be on a zero income.

KasiaKovic

I don't think you live in London where the average room rent is £700!!! Our rent per month is £1500 obviously plus bills and everything. So that would mean that for maternity leave time we are covering life with not sure about £500 per month. Maybe I'm in a bubble but that's not exactly rolling in it for2 people is it?

Darksparkle

Yeah the limit for tax credits with one child is £26,000.

brewthebear

With all your health problems why have a baby if you know you cant afford it surely expecting to be funded by the goverment was stupid Did you manage to save in anticipation of having a child With the income you and your partner had its not like you were on the breadline

GwylimT

KasiaKovic wrote: »

I don't think you live in London where the average room rent is £700!!! Our rent per month is £1500 obviously plus bills and everything. So that would mean that for maternity leave time we are covering life with not sure about £500 per month. Maybe I'm in a bubble but that's not exactly rolling in it for2 people is it?

So after tax, and before any child related benefits you have £1,850 per month. On top of this you will have child benefit, you can also find work around your partners hours until you go back to your studies.

How much of your stipend have you saved to cover the costs of having a baby?

KasiaKovic

Do you know what, I'm getting off this. Just wanted some advice as I've worked all my life and it seems because I am the only person I have spoken to who is eligible for no help with regard to any maternity benefits. Most people think this is impossible. Yet I am finding out it is. Thanks but no thanks for your unhelpful comments.