Income for new stay at home dad

gardenermumtobe

My partner and I are expecting our first baby on 25th October and it is looking highly likely that he will be made redundant as of 1st October. Our plan had been to take shared parental leave but this won't be possible as he won't be employed when he would start the first block of leave, which is one of the eligibility criteria. 
We are now wondering if there is any financial support available to him if he stays home to look after the baby once I am ready to return to work, say after 2 months. I was thinking of an alternative to Maternity Allowance which I assume is just for women? 
We were hoping to buy a house together soon as I currently own a house with my sister so will want to sell. He is selling his house with his ex-partner and may have up to £20k and I expect to have £50k from the sale of my house, so together we would possible have £70k as a deposit for a new house but our incomes are low (mine is £20k, his was £14k as both recent career changers). Would having these savings prevent us from claiming benefits? We would need at least this much as a deposit for a 2 bedroom house in a cheaper area and that's if we are both employed. I had a quick look at Jobseekers Allowance eligibility last week but I got the impression that if we had any substantial capital we wouldn't qualify. I'm assuming capital would include the equity in a house you own? Am I just being greedy to expect help?! 
Sorry for the two different questions, I'm just feeling a bit overwhelmed with the pregnancy, working a physical job and studying for exams in month! Hoping someone who knows the rules better can point me in the right direction. Thank you in advance! I would really appreciate any suggestions/advice. 

poppy12345

The only JSA that he could claim now is New style JSA but if he's not looking for work then he won't be able to claim this.

Other than that the only other benefit is Universal Credit and this is means tested. You will need to claim as a couple. Savings/capital of £16,000 and over will exclude you from claiming. If there's equity in the houses then this will count towards your savings, it can be diregarded for up to 6 months if it's currently up for sale but i don't know about 2 properties. I'm sure others will be able to advise you further regarding that.

calcotti

The equity in the property can be disregarded for six months if they are up for sale, as poppy says. The proceeds can also be disregarded for six months if they are to be used to purchase a new property - but only if you previously lived in the property being sold as your home.