Hi Girls!

Is anyone else self employed and worried about how they are going to cope for money during maternity leave? I am only able to take a month off at most and needing to save up as much as poss to cover bills etc for when im off, my hubbie has a good wage, but not enough to support us both. Its really worrying me. Is there anything i can claim for etc? Any tips would be fab!

Sharon 17+5 x

hiya sharon - i am also self employed but hoping to be eligable for maternity allowance from the government. if you are up to date with you National Insurance Contributions you can claim. Have a look into it online! Let me know how you get on...
em x

I am self employed also, and was worried about this too so I saved up some money in the business so that I can still take a wage. However, I am eligible for Maternity Allowance, which is paid by the job centre and you may be eligible too. Check out http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/JCp/Customers/WorkingAgeBenefits/Dev_008115.xml.html for more information. If eligible, you can claim for 39 weeks although you are only able to work 10 days in your business whilst claiming.

You may also be entitled to tax credits: http://www.taxcredits.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/HomeNew.aspx.

I am going to finishing up in 4 weeks time and going to take off at least 3 months after the baby is born and then see how things are going, as to whether I work round him/her or if I need more time off.

Hey girls...

you may also be eligable for a Sure Start Maternity Grant, it's a ??500 grant provided by the government that you do not have to pay back. Its not alot but does help towards buying some things for your new arrival