How can I boost our income whilist on SMP?

[LouiseClare]

Hi, I wonder if anyone can help. I've never claimed any benefits or been on statutory sick pay. In a few weeks time I will be claiming statutory maternity pay which is £123.06 per week. Being on SMP will mean that I will be earning over £700 less each month. I'm not really sure how benefits and claiming SMP works. I am able to get a evening job while on SMP? I thought about asking my employer if I could work from home a couple of hours in the evening when DH is home and baby is in bed. I just wanted to be able to boost our income a little bit when the baby is here?

Thanks Louise

 

[Seraphim]

As far as I'm aware you can't work.
And you can only do 10 days for your employer over the term of your leave (Keeping In Touch / KIT Days) They can pay you for those, and you can negotiate how much that is.

I've been wondering the same though.

I'm hoping I will be able to make some phonecalls to help hubby out, and maybe sell that mountain of stuff I keep meaning to list on ebay. I made £500 last time, and I have at least 3 times as much to go on!

It's hard to know how exhausted I'm going to feel too.

Although I reckon with not commuting, and probably eating out less (from usually being tired with work and now that bubs will be here) - I reckon we'll save a fair bit on just that

You could maybe spend some time trying to get better deals on your utilities, insurance etc... that could make a small dent each month.

If you come up with any ideas though... post back... cos I'd love to know

 

[Abz1982]

You cant legally work and claim SMP as you can only be in one situation at a time. I have been trying to think of the same thing, but other than ebay I cant see anything legal to do. If I stil had my drivinglicense I would have been out doing horses for folk .

 

[kbaker09]

Hiya... I believe being self employed doesn't affect Maternity Pay that you receive from your employer. Not too sure about SMP. I remember reading this because I plan on doing on the same. I've just tried to look for you on direct.gov.uk but can't find the page - sorry. I would suggest speaking to an accountant to confirm this. Hope this helps. x

 

[MrsRH]

Hi all,
As posted above, I am pretty certain you can't work or earn, as in self employed, apart from the keep in touch days. SMP or maternity allowance payable until you are ready to return to any forms of work. I am self employed so will only get MA and it's peanuts compared to money coming in now.
The tax man will find out if you are earning any extra, as in evening jobs etc as SMP and MA is non taxable and earnings are so it could get you into trouble.
Fab idea above to use the time to get good deals on utilities bills and selling stuff on ebay. I think I'll be doing that provided my little one is a good boy, when he comes!!!

I know me def and others due to the credit crunch it will be a challenging time finacially but hopefull all worth it!
good luck all!!!

 

[MrsRH]

Just to add to above, if you are self employed, you have to register with the tax office and pay NI/tax etc therefore they will stop any maternity payments.

 

[Abz1982]

SMP is taxable. Tax and NI deductions continue as normal.