poor maternity leave

[HAPPYJOBO]

I have been working for my company for almost 5 years. Im 25 years old, married last year and own a house and was overjoyed when i found out i was pregnant last year. I am now 6 months. I have been told that all i get from my employer is statory maternity pay which consists of 6 weeks pay at 90% and then �117 a week for 33 weeks. Having a morgage and bills to pay, i can not physically live off of �117 a week so all i can afford to take off is 6 weeks. My employer at the time said they would be flexible as i work from home sometims anyway. Now i only have 3 months off they said they wont give me any flexibility and all i can have off is the 6 weeks and i have to come back to work. I am devestated, ive been so stressed and cant stop getting upset about it, knowing that just in 6 weeks im supposed to get over child birth and then bond with my baby in a matter of weeeks and then hand my baby over!

Does anyone have any advice as i feel inconsolable. Im not one for claiming off the state as ive worked hard all my life but does anyone knoe what i can claim once i have my little bundle of joy?

Joanna :(

[Psychick]

You have mentioned living off your maternity pay, what about your husbands pay? Is there any way you can safe between now and babys arrival to allow you more time off? You may also be entitled to tax credits. Do an online form to see if you qualify and it will give you an estimate as to how much you may be entitled to. If you do qualify, you need to call them and give them some details so they can check you qualify before sending out your claim pack. This is their website http://www.taxcredits.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/Qua lify/DIQHousehold.aspx
Please try not to stress too much about as there will be a way around it, we all have to make financial sacrifices when it comes to our new arrivals and it isnt as bad as you first imagine.

[Ice.Maiden]

I agree with Psychick (hi hun!) about tax credits, and especially about trying to keep calm. These sort of problems have a way of all working out alright in the end. Is it possible for you to do more hours, working from home? That way you'd save on childcare fees and have more time with your baby. Could you afford to just work part-time anyway? Sometimes, if you take a fresh look at your budget, you find that you can do without some things, and save a bit of money. Best of luck anyway.

[I Love Snow]

I'm in the same boat as you. The maternity pay is rubbish. I have been trying to put some money by each month and have checked and we should get about �40 each month on family tax credits. But as everything seems to be going up in price how are you meant to manage. I was hoping to take 6 months off but doubt that now. This is meant to be one of the happiest times of your life but money (or the lack of it) takes it all away. If one more person tells me that 'you'll manage' i'll scream. When is your due date? :)

[andrea81]

Hi HAPPYJOBO

I too am in your predicament and am very worried about paying bills etc....

Also childcare is so expensive, so to go back to work means another evil of paying out for childcare! It's a catch 22 really. I have to take 9 months off because I only work term time 6 months off mean coming back 2 weeks before xmas, which is no good for my company.

I'm planning on using my start of maternity leave to look into my budget and money that I'll be entitled to! Try not to worry, you and your baby's health is paramount! x x x x x

[HAPPYJOBO]

Hello all, thank you for your replys. Well ive been calling around to see what benefits i will be eligible for. I can get, Child tax credit of �21 a week and �18.90 a week for child benefit and of course my pants amount of �117.18 for 33 weeks. Thats like �638 a month if i take more than my 6 weeks off at 90%. Im feeling worse by the minute. My morgage and other bills etc out way that amount by far. I know i should try and keep calm as its not good for me and the baby. But at the same time i know i have a responsibilty to pay for my baby as well as my husband too. The sad thing is he's not even eligible for paternity as he hasnt been with his company long enough :(

Thank you all for your support x

[Psychick]

You still seem to be talking as if the three of you have to live off your earnings?

Have you and your husband actually sat down and worked out your finances? Write down all your incomings (with you on SMP) and all your out goings, see what the shortfall is and look at where you could possibly make it up.

Because I was working less than 16 hours a week (so I could be home with my 7 yr old) I discovered after I fell pregnant that I didnt qualify for any SMP at all which scared me but it has worked out in my favour for now because we have worked out that we are better off if I dont work as we get the tax credits instead. Would this be an option for you?

[spaced]

HAPPYJOB most of us have been there. I have a 4mth daughter. My wife and I knew before we had the baby that Maternity Pay is a joke, but we knew we could get through it.

Yes we have struggled but you DO get through it. Family and friends help, you get lots of clothes via presents etc, stop panicking. Lots of poeple have kids and have mortages and bills to pay, and we all struggle but we just get on with it.

You will have to sacrifice lots of things which mostly includes spending money.

I understand about the benefits, but do claim what your are entitled to (family tax credits etc) dont be ashamed for claiming them, they are there for and your baby so take advantage, you will need it!

[HAPPYJOBO]

I appreciate all your feedback. Ive found myself off work today with stress,im so desperate to be a good mum and provide for my baby. My husband i work so hard just like all families do. We earn about the same so sadly he cant back me as much as he would love to. Ive worked out that my monthly outgoings, for bills and morgage is �695 and thats what my partner also has to pay in too each month. I then worked out roughly how much i would get in benefits and its �628.32. So that wouldnt even cover my bills let alone any money to care for my baby

The sad thing is both me and my husband arnt on bad money for our age, we have a joint income of 49k, i just cant see a way of being able to have up until the end of December off to be with my baby :(

[bednobs]

please forgive me if i sound harsh but i think you need to take a deep breath and step back and count your blessings to be honest. Ok so you have to go back to work - you and millions of other women. its only 37.5 hours a week leaving you 130 hours to do your bonding.

did none of this occurr to before now? i think you are [robably feeling wobbly about the fact you are going through this life changing event, rather than just this, so youve built this up to more than it is

[Compostella]

Welcome to the big bad world.

We and many others have had to go through this and, whilst its not easy, you do manage.

I feel sorry for the employers who not only have to pay something for someone not working but also have to find temporary employees and deal with the uncertainty of that person never returning to work.

My advice to you is not to let this stop enjoying your new arrival, you will manage, everybody does.

Having time off with "stress" would certainly not be a good career move when you may need flexbility from your employer in the near future.

The world does not owe you a living.

[Beanmistriss]

Why can't your partner contribute more than 695 per month? Going by what you said you both earn he must take home more than that every month?

[HAPPYJOBO]

your useful advice has appeared to haved stopped but thanks anyway

[Compostella]

Ok sorry

All I'm saying is that all the worries you are having are completely natural, you wouldn't be human if you didn't worry about it.

Just remember that there are thousands in the world that would love to even get to the position you find yourself in (i.e. be pregnant) so please don't let a little thing like money worries spoil what will be the most enjoyable period of your life. Many people spend thousands just trying to get to where you already are.

Theres an old saying that I always try and remember: Its no use being the richest person in the graveyard.

[warpig3]

Happyjobo, I am sorry I cant offer any advice but please try not to stress yourself out, it seems to me that these things always have a way of working themselves out although you cant see it now. Try not to worry, dont ignore the situation but look at ways to combat it. Take a look at your finances and pull in the purse strings really tight (it can be done believe me). this is the time in your life you should be happy and looking to the wonderful future for your new addition. Be positive and proactive.

Best wishes
warpig

[LoftyLottie]

I can't believe that your husband will expect you to contribute an equal portion towards living expenses once your baby is born. You will be a family, a single unit and should act as such. You should pool your resources and stop acting as single people. I am sure you will then cope financially. We have most of us had to do it.

[cybil2403]

Can you take a 'Mortgage Holiday'?

Its worth asking your mortgage company if you can take a 'holiday', normally you can take a total of 6 months (depending on who its with).

My partner and I earn the same amount as you and your hubby. Our outgoings are roughly �1100 per month and we'll be living off his salary (hopefully!), we think we can manage it.
Please try not too worry, it'll work out in the end x