Am I screwed?

[jools02]

Hi all, my first post here! I currently work full time (I started Nov 2006 after birth of my son) but have handed in my notice to leave at the end of October as we need to move to London due to my husband's job being relocated to London in November. My plan was to look for a job once we moved and in the meantime I was going to try and get JobSeekers Allowance to help tide us over until I could find something. However, I've just found out I'm pregnant! The due date would be around 7th May 2008. I wonder if anyone could tell me what position this puts me in with regard to:

Claiming Maternity Allowance
Temporarily claiming JobSeekers Allowance whilst looking for a job - will I get it based on the fact that employers may be reluctant to take on a pregnant woman?
Finding a job whilst pregnant - am I screwed?

 

[tuck]

It will all depend on how many weeks you have worked in your qualifying period:

Employment rule
You must have been employed and/or self-employed for at least 26 weeks in your 66 week test period. The 26 weeks do not have to be in a row and it does not matter how much you earn.You do not have to be actually physically at work to be employed or self-employed; you might be off work sick for example.

Weeks when you have not worked a full week count towards your 26 weeks.
You cannot be refused to clain JSA due to you being pregnant unless you are incapable of work due to the pregnancy, however I am ot sure on the ules as you are voluntarily leaving your present job albeit you have mitagating circumstances.

I would suggest that you contact the jobcentre as they will be able to give you the details

good luck

 

[jools02]

Hi Tuck. Thanks for your reply. I have worked full time consecutively since beg November 2006 so 66 weeks before my test period would be 31st Jan 2007. So am I right in thinking that as long as I worked consecutively for 26 full weeks until 1st August (which I have) I am entitled to MA even if I didn't manage to find a job before the baby comes? Sorry if this seems obvious by I'm just trying to get my head around it!

I have just sent an email to Jobcentre plus so will let you know the outcome.

 

[tuck]

reading the details on MA i read it that as long as you've worked for 26 weeks in the 66 week period upto and including your EWC you should qualify however when I worked for DWP (or JCP as it's also known) I never actually dealt with MA claims so I think you're right to contact them direct.