Any advice ❤️

[Littlepeax]

Hi everyone, I am due to give birth end of Nov beginning of Dec and I will be on basic maternity leave pay (statutory) my husband is self employed and from Jan his work is usually very quiet for the first few months. I'm so worried about the energy crisis this winter and feel like we may really struggle financially. My question is will I be entitled to claim any benefits around this time? I have never claimed anything so wouldn't know where to start. Appreciate any help or advice, this is my first baby❤️✨️🤗

[HollyT7]

I cant help but citizens advice have an online chat so you could try there xx

[Jonesy84]

Hi lovely, it really is scary times but for you an amazing time too welcoming your little one.

Everyone is entitled to child benefit £21.80 weekly. I didn’t realise until a friend told me.

originalText

I know it’s not a lot and can’t believe they expect to live off it!

In terms of anything else sorry I am not sure but like HollyT7said citizens advice should be able to point you in the right direction.

Baby sleeping bags are great too for keeping Bubs warm. I have a tomee tipee one which is a 2.5 tog I think you can get heavier but I like it as when it’s been warmer the padding can be stripped off so it makes it a 1.0 tog

Xx

[Littlepeax in reply to Jonesy84]

Thanks Jonesy ❤️

[Seb9]

You can check here what you might be entitled for benefits-calculator.turn2us...

Then you just apply for them on the government website

[Littlepeax in reply to Seb9]

thanks ❤️

[Cookies7]

Hey lovely, firstly congratulations. You can claim employment and support allowance I think. But what I suggest is you ring citizens advice or just ring dwp themselves they will just tell you what to do.

If you look online you can claim esa until 2 weeks after baby is born. But after that there should be more available I'm sure of it.

[Littlepeax in reply to Cookies7]

Thanks lovely 🤗

[Cookies7]

Have you claimed the sure start maternity grant? It usually £500 so thats really helpful

[Jess1981]

have you tried to apply for UC? We applied when I wasn't getting maternity pay anymore - they did to put us off by saying hubbys earnings were so high we wouldn't get any but we did and a decent amount too! . They try to put you off but don't be put off! You fill out the form online and if applying as a couple you have to link your accounts together- this can be a bit tricky! But citizens advice are there if you need any help on the forms 😊 Good with having your baby nearly there ❤️ Xx