Maternity pay

[Princessbuff]

I didn't realise terms of maternity pay were so low!

My fault I know for not researching before now. My company offers six weeks at 90% of full pay and then 20 weeks at Statutory Maternity pay (106 a week) which from what I've researched is pretty standard.

Anyone got good or creative ideas on how to keep the money up during maternity leave? I have already thought of using annual leave towards it.

As with anyone who has only climbed on the housing ladder in the last couple of years both our wages are needed to cover mortgage payments and monthly outgoings.

And by the way - don't get me wrong, this is a minor blip in the scheme of things - delighted to have a little one on the way!!

[Dassie]

Who says you have to take the full 26 weeks off ?

[redcrx]

by law you have to take 2 weeks leave before returning to work so maybe you could go back if you had suitable child care facilities.

Is there any way you can take a mortgage holiday? Have you looked into family tax credit to see if your are eligable? It can be quite a significant sum during childs first year. Plus child benefit is payable for all children in the UK regardless of family income.

[hol71]

i think the current terms are excellent, its only two years back it was � 50 for 12 weeks after the initial 6 week at 90%!!! I wish i had done my maternity leave on the new terms....

As redcrx states, the family credits and child benefit will help you, you can self quote using projected income for the website: www.taxcredits.inlandrevenue.gov.uk

[Princessbuff]

cheers will look into those again although think my mortgage isn't the sort I can take a holiday from and may not be eligible for credits, although forgot about child benefit.

and no, Dassie you are right no-one says I have to take the full 26 weeks, but sure you can understand that I would like to spend more time with my first child than the 2 and a half months I can afford right now.

[redcrx]

princessbuff, Im sure Dassie wasnt suggesting that you wouldnt want to spend time with your child.
I returned to work after 2 weeks and that in no way means that i do not love my child. I am unlucky enough to be indispensible at work but lucky enough to work in a situation whereby i can work fromhome 3 days a week and spend time with my son but also go into the office twice a week whilst my son is looked after by his nana.
As for not being entitled to credits I can say that i get a reasonable amount and yet do not have to nofify the tax people until the household salary goes over �50k or something.
Have a read of this. You can also get payments towards childcare facilities. http://www.direct.gov.uk/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/B enefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/TaxCredits/Ta xCreditsArticles/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4015478&chk= BUtaLj