Maternity Allowance

[Kiki1987]

I’m in a major panic and close to tears.

How do mums support themselves and their new baby, when SMP is so low. At this rate, I’ll be off for 6 weeks then back at work. £145.18pw is just so so low.

I’ve tried to look into what government assistance I can get, however that is proving difficult as my partner is self-employed.

I’m the main breadwinner in the house. How will we survive 😭

I’m trying so hard to remain calm but it’s proving so difficult.

[roxannacar]

Have you checked if your employer is offering anything better than smp?? I got extra pay from my employer (omp) for the first 6 months then smp only between 6-9 months.

I'd only get in touch with citizens advice bureau to see if your entitled to any benefits.

[Hidden]

Can you have it topped up by tax credits or something like that? Xxx

[Kiki1987 in reply to Hidden]

I’ve had a look but from what it’s worked out, it’s very minimal.

I’m going to check my employers policy tomorrow to see what it says but, I’m almost certain it reflects the government standard 😞

[Hidden in reply to Kiki1987]

Its really hard especially if it’s a small employer. Hope you get some extra help lovely do you can enjoy time with your little one xx

[Hidden]

I panicked about this but actually it turned out easier than I thought. Don’t forgot you could also get child benefit which is £80 a month. I know it’s not a lot more but it helps x

[precioce]

There is a maternity grant called Sure Start which is £500 So take a look at this too xx

[AJJ123 in reply to precioce]

You only qualify for that if your on benefits. It used to be available to all but was scrapped years ago. X

[claire16c]

To be honest compared to a lot of places, what we get here is pretty good! Remember you will also get child benefit plus your holiday entitlement over the 12 months mat leave so once the SMP runs out you still have all your holiday pay!

I tried to save some money when I was working so that it doesn’t make too much difference when I went on maternity leave.

Now I’m having a second baby and when I went back to work after the first one I went back part time. Lots of my friends who went back part or full time by the time you’ve paid childcare costs it’s not always much different either unless you are a high earner - but then you could probably save some money in the last few months of work anyway. Also when you aren’t working you aren’t paying for travel to work, lunches, work clothes etc.

[claire16c]

And yes check into if you’ll be entitled to tax credits although the limits are pretty low. There should be a way of proving your husband’s self employment pay so have a check though

[Bluelady-sing]

try universal credit

[Kiki1987]

Thanks ladies. I checked the work policy and it is as I thought so I will only receive SMP for 39 weeks. I’m assuming after this I’ll receive no pay. However the policy does advise I’m entitled up to 52 weeks maternity leave.

[Cheekymonkey85 in reply to Kiki1987]

Yes that's a typical policy. Your employer has no obligation to pay you if you take that additional 3months off unfortunately xx

[AJJ123 in reply to Kiki1987]

Yes after 39 weeks it’s unpaid. Do you have a health insurance policy at work? In my policy I get a one off payment of £200. It’s not much. When I went on maternity leave smp was £125 p/w. It’s disgusting and I was not entitled to anything other than the £80 p/m child maintenance.

How do they expect you to survive - well you do. I sold my car and just walked everywhere for six months. I kept the money for my car saved up when I needed another one I just had to buy one. At least I wasn’t paying insurance, tax etc. Xx

[AJJ123 in reply to AJJ123]

I also down graded my phone, got cheaper tariff for electricity and gas, stocked up on shed loads of nappies before going on maternity leave - like enough so I wasn’t buying any for months. X

[Kiki1987]

It’s absolutely absurd. Penalised for being pregnant.

I have my first scan on Monday, so if all is well, we will begin the bulk buying. We’ve been considering terry nappies instead of disposables. They can be cost effective and obviously much better for the environment. But not sure on other people’s experience?!

We’re also going to save, save, save. However we have to move house so that’s not going to help the baby budget. It’s all very intense and stressful at the moment 😞

[Kempton in reply to Kiki1987]

I just wrote you a long response but clicked and lost it! Try not to worry. Having babies is expensive but doesn't have to be. Trust me I know as I didn't qualify for maternity pay and only receive child benefit each month. My partner is in an ok job but we've had to be smart about what we buy!

Just be selective about what you buy and don't be fussy about getting everything brand new. eBay was my saviour for second hand stuff. We got a cot bed (bought my own new mattress), baby Bjorn and loads of clothes/,toys bundles for really cheap. Keep your eyes peeled for sales for essentials like baby seats and prams. Don't buy branded nappies (Lidl and Aldi ones are great). Also, try and breastfeed.. its free! Like some of the other ladies said, start putting away a pot of money now.

I know this wasn't what you were asking but just wanted to give you some reassurance that it's not the end of the world and you can totally manage with a few cut backs! Don't let it stress you out and spoil what is such a wonderful and exciting time. Best of luck!