pregnant - what am i entitled too

[jelisa]

i am having my first baby - thing is i earn double the amount that my hubby does - at the moment he is unemployed - but looking - i dont what to give my job up as i earn around 20,000 a year - but i know that i cant survive on that alone - any advice for me please - im scared how i am going to cope

[redcrx]

ok, i shall give you the info i have.

Firstly maternity pay is 6 weeks at 90% of your wage and then statuatory maternity pay for up to the 6 month mark (this may have changed to 9 months recently)

You will be entitled to family tax credit and this is a fairly reasonable sum for first 12 months of babys life.

You may also get help with childcare costs if your child is looked after by a registered child carer or nursery. If you use a family member you will not get help for any costs.

Child benefit is also paid.

try looking at this site and use the calculators. http://www.taxcredits.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/Qua lify/DIQHousehold.aspx

If you have a mortgage then look at taking a payment holiday.

Having a baby doesnt need to be expensive, and there will be many things you can do to keep costs down once you are used to idea of being pregnant.

[bednobs]

or you could go back to work and he looks after the baby?

[redcrx]

Id have suggested that bednobs but think jelisa is expecting her husband to have found a position by then.