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IF YOU have recently had children, lost your job, gone part-time, or separated from your partner, you may be entitled to help from the government. Ask yourself if you are getting all the credit. We explain what you are entitled to and how to claim it.
Just had a baby or gone on maternity leave?
Statutory Maternity Pay is paid by your employer and to qualify you must have been:
- Employed by the same employer for at least 26 weeks into the 15th week before the week your baby is due
- Earning an average of at least £95 a week
Alternatively, you may quality for Maternity Allowance if:
- You're employed, but not eligible for Statutory Maternity Pay
- You're registered self-employed
Just lost your job?
Check your employment contract, and if necessary, talk to a union representative about the redundancy pay you may be entitled to, particularly if you have worked for your employer for at least two years. The package will be based on your weekly pay, age and continuous employment with your employer.
To qualify while you are looking for work you can claim Jobseeker's Allowance if:
- You’re available and actively seeking work
- Between 18 and State Pension age
- Working on average less than 16 hours per week
Just separated from your partner?
Lone parents can get extra help from the government, whether they are employed or not.
The Child Support Agency handles child maintenance payments but since October 2008 couples have been free to make their own arrangements to cover the child’s everyday living costs.
You may also be able to claim Income Support if you are a carer or are sick or disabled.
There is a tax-free payment of £40 to lone parents (£60 for parents in London) who have been claiming benefits for a year or more and go back to work for at least 16 hours a week.
In Work Credit is paid for a year on top of other working benefits. To find out more, speak to your local Jobcentre Plus office.
By Marianne Curphey
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