Can you claim benefits on top of maternity or am I just going to have to struggle ?

[Mummy12345]

I’m 12 weeks pregnant,I’m only 21 and I’m sooo scared ! It’s my first and I’m worried I won’t be able to afford a baby when I go on maternity if you’re partner is only on £19,000 can you claim any other benefits to support your rent or will I just have to go back to work after 6 weeks ?????? Any advice would be amazing xxxx

[Purpledoggy]

Have a look here for things you may be able to claim for. You could also talk to the money advice service.

moneyhelper.org.uk/en/benef...

Xx

[Sunnyday33]

You should receive SMP for 9 months

[JoyfulStar]

Yes, everyone working should be entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) for 9 months. There is also maternity allowance for anyone not entitled to SMP.

Some employers are more generous so you may even get something on top of SMP for a short amount of time. You can request your work’s maternity policy to check. This will vary from employer to employer.

Also, you will get a MATB1 form from your midwife around the 20 weeks mark which you give to your employer. They should then confirm your SMP entitlement and any other payments on top. The additional employer payments can vary based on length of time you have worked with them and if you intend to return to work etc.