Benefits - Please help – So Confused

kooger21

Thanks for those replys as well, most usefull.

Are you saying though that when she finishes her course on the 15th Aug, she should then appear to be seeking work even though that she would be giving birth 6 weeks later approx 1Nov?

A special thanks to dmg24 and becles :-)

dmg24

kooger21 wrote: »

Thanks for those replys as well, most usefull.

Are you saying though that when she finishes her course on the 15th Aug, she should then appear to be seeking work even though that she would be giving birth 6 weeks later approx 1Nov?

A special thanks to dmg24 and becles :-)

Yep, as long as she can give evidence of seeking work. Although they are not allowed to discriminate against someone for reason of pregnancy, it is inevitable that employers will, and the likelihood of her being offered anything is negligible (although it may be an opportunity to make contacts for when she does want to return to work?) x

dmg24

mcintosh wrote: »

hi my name is louise
hi i have been off work sience may last year had sick pay from work

now can not get anything try job seekers not enough mone:rolleyes:y or some thing am got a bad knee arthtrs what else can i claim got no money can not get income support because partner works over 25 hours help any one

Hi Louise,

Welcome to MSE.

To get the best response, it might be best for you to start your own thread. On the main page of the board, in the top left hand corner there is a button to start a new thread, just click on that and it will let you copy the text over x

kooger21

Dmg24 - is there no way that my g/f can get the surestart grant of £500?

Thanks

dmg24

kooger21 wrote: »

Dmg24 - is there no way that my g/f can get the surestart grant of £500?

Thanks

My knowledge in that area is limited, but from what I know, assuming you are claiming as a couple, you would not be eligible.

If you are struggling to buy the essentials for the baby, some local charities have resources to provide you with these items (often brand new, donated by retailers who have excess stock). If you contact your local SureStart centre they should have details of these organisations.

I would also echo what bestpud and others have said, have a look around the site, I am sure you will pick up some excellent tips to help you along x

kooger21

Update - i have just chekced and my g.f who is in a full time nursing course and has a part time job of 6 hours a week does pay some NI and has been doing for a number of years, from what i gather she probably wont be eligable for stat maternity pay but im pretty sure she would be entitled to the maternity allowance, can anyone confirm this for me? thanks

Kimitatsu

To be eligible for MA then either of the following must apply:

• you've been at work for at least 26 weeks of the 'test period' (66 weeks up to and including the week before your baby is due). Part weeks count as full weeks
• you earned an average of £30 in any 13 of the weeks in the test period

HTH

kooger21

well she intends to stay at work until then and earns about £48 a week so sounds like she could be eligable - does that sound right?

Thanks

lil_me

Just to add to the great suggestions made

Charity shops usually have a lot of nearly new and new baby items. Free ads papers also usually have many ads. You may be able to find baby items offered on https://www.freecycle.org.uk and https://www.dontdumpthat.com in your area.

Babies don't need to be really expensive. If I had my time with DS1 being little again I'd not buy many things that I did, I was pretty good because I had to be as my partner was on a very low wage working part time but there are still things I could have done without. I had my sons in terry nappies because I was at home with them so used my time to save money on disposables, same with the food like Becles said it's so much cheaper to make your own and at least you know what little one is eating.

bestpud

kooger21 wrote: »

well she intends to stay at work until then and earns about £48 a week so sounds like she could be eligable - does that sound right?

Thanks

If I were you, I'd put in a claim anyway and see what comes back. The worst you will get is a big fat no. When I say that though, I am assuming maternity benefits are actually something you apply for? If yes, then just give it a go.

To be honest though, you have more than enough to manage with. Just don't fall into the trap of buying everything and you will be fine.