Money for parents who have worked
Q&A
“I’m on maternity leave but not sure when I’ll feel ready to return to work. How could this affect my Contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance?”- Emma
In order to qualify for Contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance you need to be ready and willing to work up to 16 hours a week. You can claim for up to 6 months, but would be expected to accept a reasonable job if it came along, provided that it fits in with caring for your child. If you didn’t – or if you left your current employer without ‘just cause’ – your benefit could be stopped. However, the main carer of a child aged under 16 is not required to be available for work, and can claim Income Support instead, if the family are on a low income.
Employment and Support Allowance
Because pregnancy and the early weeks of motherhood are so physically demanding, you could be entitled to claim Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), provided you have medical evidence (usually a certificate signed by your GP) to support your claim that you have limited capacity for work.
What you need to qualify
You must have paid National Insurance contributions until the time of your claim. You cannot receive ESA at the same time as you receive Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity Allowance.
What it’s worth
If you qualify, and are over 25, you’ll receive £60.50 a week for up to thirteen weeks, after which you may be entitled to a higher amount.
How to claim
- Complete a Maternity Allowance claim form, MA1, which you’ll find at your local Jobcentre Plus or ante-natal clinic. Just ignore the questions that don’t apply to you and write on the form that you want to know if you’re entitled to ESA.
- Return the form to the Department of Work and Pensions, along with your MAT B1 form, which you will get from your doctor or midwife when you are about 20 weeks pregnant.
Did you know?
If you haven’t paid enough National Insurance contributions you may be able to claim Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance instead (see page 12). If you’re a single parent, you could claim Income Support (see page 14). Whether you’re single or in a couple it’s worth checking to see if you qualify for Tax Credits too (see page 9).