Mother at home?

[kyliewhale88]

Hey there,

My husband and I have just moved into a flat and are expecting our first baby in January. My husband is working little hours atm due to a situation we have been having lately, he is however expecting to increase these hours soon. We are both on income based JSA atm, but when the baby is born and my husband works more hours he wont be entitled to it, and I was wondering if I was entitled to anything else? We are going to be a little tight for money and was wondering if I had to stay on JSA and keep looking for a job even thought I have to stay at home to look after the child? Any help you could give would be great.

Many thanks

[ummmm]

You will be entitled to claim working tax credits as a family unit and child tax credits. You will also get app £20 per week child benefit.

there's a calculator here to see how much you may get.

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits/index.htm

[themas]

You should be entitled to a Health in Pregnancy grant of £190 (not means tested) & a Surestart Maternity Grant of £500. Ask about both at your ante-natal clinic. You will not have to stay on JSA yourself.