oh I think Im going to be poor for a while....

[titch]

... so I had planned to take 6 months mat leave from work, with the NHS package Id be getting pretty much full pay for that long

But I have to take my annual leave before OR after my mat leave, the annual leave year is april to april to my 6 months falls between that, was thinking that I could take 6 months and then my 5 weeks leave after that which will take me to early march next year when Ill go back. all planned out see...

then I discovered how much childcare costs. And with my hours basically what I earn over SMP would be the cost of childcare, so there really is no point in me going back to work when I can get SMP until end of July then go back.

Im a bit gutted about all this. hmph.

 

[Terrie]

can you not get help with your childcare costs through working tax credits?

 

[titch]

we dont get working tax credits, how does it work?

 

[Terrie]

if you go to entitledto.co.uk and use the benefits calculator it will work it out for you hun

 

[titch]

and they pay for your childcare?! Love you Terrie!

 

[Terrie]

i get 80% of mine paid...

 

[ERIN84]

does everyone get working tax credits?

 

[Terrie]

its worked out on your annual income

 

[titch]

Nope not everyone is entitiled to it, both my OH and I earn 15k or less but we're still too rich :/ not quite sure how we would survive on anything less but there you go. Once the little one is born we will get child tax credits (which I think everyone does) and then some contributions to childcare although Im quite confused about the situation at the mo Ive decided not to stress. My OH just said we'll work out the money somehow, and although I have no idea how right now, Im gonna just bury my head in the sand and hope at this stage!

 

[Piglet10]

at 15k each chances are you will be entitled to working tax credits when baby comes and even if you dont you will get up to 80% of childcare. its to encourage working mums back to work... i think the best thing for you to do is what your doing ... burying your head in the sand and enjoying your pregnancy sounds good!! xxx

 

[titch]

really hope so Lisa!! Was it you said about the sure start grant, being eligeable for it by claiming child tax credits? I really wanna make sure we get that grant!!

 

[Piglet10]

yeah

ive sent mine away
i wasnt entitled to anything but am now she shere.

i only know all this cos my sis works for tax credits!! lol xx

 

[titch]

thats fab, I really hope I manage to get that £500! Its alot of money to miss out on isnt it, just wish I coud organise everything BEFORE he arrives! I think Ill have to fill out all the forms and skip out date of birth and just get OH to post them when he's a day old!!