Money coming in after maternity

[hundreddolla]

Hi all,
My wife is currently on maternity pay, and had originally thought that she would return to work at the end of it with the childcare taken care of by her sister and Mum. Both have now let us down and stated that they won't be able to help out with the childcare. As my wife only earns £16,000 a year and myself £30,000 it is not economically viable to pay for childcare. My question is this, on my wage of £30,000, will my wife receive any unemployment benefit or tax credit? Can anyone tell me what the approximate amount we will receive in tax credit / unemployment benefit monthly / weekly? A "ballpark" figure would be great.

Also any alternative suggestions as to how to we could bring in some extra cash would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

HD

[tamborine]

What is the income of a lone mother on support. Sometimes, marriage is detrimental to finances.

[hundreddolla]

Yeah we're married "unfortunately" ha ha ha!

[LoftyLottie]

hundreddolla. If you can get by without your wife working, and it seems there is no benefit in her working, then do it. In my opinion you can't put a monetary value on child who is cared for by a parent in those first early years. Perhaps your wife could get a job in the evenings or at weekends on a part time basis. Believe me you are not on a bad salary at £30,000. You will be surprised that if you budget carefully you will get by.

This isn't a lecture by the way, just an alternative view. It seems nowadays that people think that both parents should work!

[tamborine]

A comparison in income would be interesting ?

[sunflower68]

Loftie Lottie you summed up my feelings perfectly; you and your wife would surely be quids in with quality of life if she stayed home with baby; don't let her miss out you never get those years back. It will only be a few years before she can take baby to a nursery which will be better price wise. I was in the very same boat when I had a new baby and I was better off at home and I certainly can vouch for the fact that I am truly glad I did; no money can bring back those days. x

[LoftyLottie]

In my opinion too there will be a much happier, content baby as a reward. No way would I send a baby to a nursery unless it was absolutely necessary.

[4getmenot]

when I have one I've already got you down for one day a week is that ok loftie?

[PipinHull]

Just another viewpoint and I'm not trying to disagree with Lottie as I think you've got a good point! Some women do not 'take' to staying at home with baby as much as they thought they would and it doesn't work for everyone. After my son was born I went back to work and like the OP's wife, I was losing about £50 a month once childcare was deducted. However, I was paying tax, NI, a pension, I was keeping up my skills and building a career. So I did not consider that £50 a 'loss'. A few years on, he'll be starting school soon and I'm earning twice what I was before he was born. I get plenty of quality time with him but I am glad I had that year of maternity leave - I couldn't leave a tony one at a nursery.

[PipinHull]

Tiny one, even.

[LoftyLottie]

4get. No way!! My own was fine, but I don't do other peoples kids. I have told my son that, just in case!! Are you telling us something here? ;o)

[4getmenot]

No I'm not.. redcrx do you hear that???!!

[LoftyLottie]

:o)

[4getmenot]

cant have them now anyway, I was relying on you

[LoftyLottie]

:o(

[hundreddolla]

Thanks to everyone for such fantastic info. You've all outdone yourselves. Those of you who mentioned the "quality of life" and "spending time with the child" angles were spot on Loftie and sunflower et al. Thanks.

PS: "What is the income of a lone mother on support. Sometimes, marriage is detrimental to finances. A comparison in income would be interesting ?"

One of the chaps who works for me is 18 with a 16 year old, never has worked / never going to work girlfriend, and a child the same age as mine. They're living with her parents, he earns £12,000 a year and they get £900 in tax / child / working credit etc.