On Mat Leave and OH out of work

[c1403]

Hi All

I am on my 6th week of Stat Maternity Leave (UK) (so the last week I get 90% of my wages) and my OH was made redundant last month.

We havent contacted the jobcentre until now as we assumed he may get a job quickly, but as my money will drop considerably now to £135 a week we are going to need some sort of help. I think OH will get contribution based jobseekers.

We have a appointment on Friday to go through things but just wondering really what we could claim whilst I am on maternity.

In my employment I earn a pretty decent wage but I really dont want to go back for at least 6 months (baby due any day now). Can they force me back to work rather than give us any help?

My neighbour mentioned a few things like a maternity grant, tax credits etc....we dont claim anything like this at the moment as this is our first child and we have both worked full time until now.

I am trying to get my head around the Direct.gov website, soooo confusing at times though.


Thanks All xxxx

 

[Twister]

I don't think they'd force you to go back to work before you wanted too, don't quote me on that but I've never heard of it happening to anyone.

You should be able to get child benefit (£80 per month), as well as child tax credits and maybe even working tax credits too. You may also be able to get some housing benefit. I think the best thing to do would be to book an appointment with citizens advice, they're be able to go through it all with you and explain how things like tax credits work