Maternity leave pay

I think you may be able to apply to universal credit, but I very much feel like the expectation is to save in advance. I am only offered SMP in my role and so I am needing to save for any time off after the first 6 weeks, which unfortunately means I am having to return to work early

Depends on if you live with anyone and their income, if your on your own you will probably be eligible for some kind of UC but if you have a partner there who is in full time employment you may not qualify, there are a few online calculators that might be useful 🙂

Aw thank you! I definitely would have tried to save if baby girl was planned😅

A lot of friends have said your spending typically decreases during maternity leave (no commuting, less work lunches or coffees out, no spend on work clothes etc) so maybe try to save as much as possible in the rest of your pregnancy and during your 6 months full pay. As company maternity pay goes, 6 months full pay is really generous. It’s what I get too and I’m so grateful.

I had this problem with my 2nd! You can apply for universal credit but if they feel your partner earns enough to cover it then that os what they would expect to happen (unless you dont live together)- i applied and was entitled to £4 a month so my partner now covers everything 😂 x

I plan to evenly spread my occupation pay over the 9 months I’m taking so I don’t drop to just SMP in the last 3 months.

Child Benefit… but it’s only like £25 a week 🥴