Single Mother - help!

Reggie1

Hi
I am looking for information, I have a good job and recently have found out I’m pregnant.
Unfortunately my work doesn’t have a great maternity package. Therefore I can only be off for potential 6 months.
I wonder how people can afford to survive on the maternity pay as think this is £500 a month, which would only cover my mortgage.

Does anyone have any idea how a single mother can afford to be off? Any idea of benefits? How many hours to work to be better off? How does it work with the father contributing? Any info would be great as I think this will be a big struggle. I know there is a grant but this this is only if you are on benefits and I don’t think I will be eligible for anything as I have a good paid job. Is there any relief of paying certain bills etc? Or should I take out a loan to ensure I have enough to cover my maternity period.
I am based in Scotland, I know this can be slightly different in terms of eligiblilty.
Many thanks.

[Deleted User]

Have a read here:

https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Your-Situation/Expecting-a-child?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7fr0gcDX3wIVVvlRCh2Ylw15EAAYASAAEgKNgPD_BwE

calcotti

The minimum maternity pay you will get is Statutory Maternity Pay if you have worked for your employer for long enough https://www.gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave/pay.

If you have a low income you can apply for Universal Credit to top up your SMP. This is calculated on a monthly basis so the fact that you have a good wage when working doesn’t matter.

After your baby is born your UC will consist of the basic allowance £317.82/month if you are 25 or older) plus a child element (£231.67/month), also plus help with rent if applicable. If you are receiving SMP at £145.18/week 63% of this is deducted from yourUC entitlement, this is a deduction of £396.34/month. Your UC would therefore be 317.82 + 231.67 - 396.34 = £153.15/month. You do not get extra money to help with your mortgage.

Unfortunately single parents are not well served by the benefits system. Good luck and I hope your pregnancy goes well.

poppy12345

xxSandraxx wrote: »

Get dad to pay keep. Or don't be a single mum. Probably better to quit your job and let the state keep you until the child is 5!

Sorry, but that's the worst advice i've ever seen.

Alice_Holt

I wonder If an appointment and a benefit check at your local CAB might be useful.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/work/rights-at-work/parental-rights/maternity-pay-what-youre-entitled-to/

calcotti

poppy12345 wrote: »

Sorry, but that's the worst advice i've ever seen.

Beat me to it - I couldn’t find words to respond to such an unhelpful post.

poppy12345

calcotti wrote: »

Beat me to it - I couldn’t find words to respond to such an unhelpful post.

I had to read it a few times because i couldn't believe what i was reading.

poppy12345

xxSandraxx wrote: »

Get dad to pay keep. Or don't be a single mum. Probably better to quit your job and let the state keep you until the child is 5!

I'd just like to point you in the direction of the rules at the top of the page.... Here, for you to clearly read for yourself.
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/announcement.php?f=139

tomtom256

xxSandraxx wrote: »

Get dad to pay keep. Or don't be a single mum. Probably better to quit your job and let the state keep you until the child is 5!

And how would that cover her mortgage!

calcotti

If you do claim UC you may be able to get a Sure Start Maternity Grant https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-guides/Sure-Start-Maternity-Grant/What-is-a-Sure-Start-Maternity-Grant

Ilona

Ignore Sandra. He/she has three user names and intent on disrupting the forum. Has been reported.

ilona