Money

[Melanie3103]

We have a 4wk old and was wondering....

My job was a contract role and was always due to end 2 may. it was a 10mnth materbity contract cover, but then i fell pregnant and left on mat leave end feb - so got a temp in for the end. As i was a fixed term contractor rather than a temp through an agency i was entitled to SMP, although this is paid in bulk in May when contract ends.

So... other than child benefit that ive filled forms in for...

1) am i unemployed from 2 May ? If so what benefits are we entitled to if any ? Hubby earns approx £36k so perhaps nothing.

2) someone mentioned working tax credits - how do they work ?

3) someone else mentioned a lump amount (thought it was £200) given to all children born - is that right? If so what is it and how do i claim ?

4) i want to set up a bank acct for little one - any recommendations?

Thanks,
Melanie

 

[Pumpkin9]

Can't say much about 1 to 3 - I would say benefits are unlikely due to your partners pay rate. However I'm sure others would know more. Have you tried looking on the government website? They have a benefit calculator. I'm not sure how your mat pay sum will effect things either as ultimately they will be giving you the money for a set period even though it's in one go.

In terms of bank account though - the Halifax have a great child isa right now. It gives 6% interest provided an adult also has an Isa with them and has a certain amount of money in it (think it may be £1). If you look on their website you will see.

It's a great interest rate and we couldn't find better when we were looking a couple of months ago

 

[wifeywifey]

It seems like you will be unemployed from 2nd. Your husband is on a fairly high wage so very unlikely you will be entitled to anything. But call hmrc who you apply to child tax credits and they can check. The 200 if they still do it was for first born low income families ask your midwife but again I doubt you will be entitled. The working tax credits are based on tlast years income too which makes it more confusing. Hope that helped

 

[DaniOwl]

All I can help with is the grant - you have to be on income support to qualify for this, but I don't think you'll get it because you have to put your partners details down too. You are best off ringing the job centre and hmrc to see what your entitled too. Sorry I couldn't help any more xx

 

[Melanie3103]

Thanks ladies, thought this was just a one-off gift... didn't realise it was income related...
Thanks so much!

Melanie

 

[Applecrumble]

I think at one time they gave every child born £250 (It could be £200) to start a savings account.
They have definately stopped that now.