December 29th, 2011
Qualifications for the Statutory Maternity Pay and Child Tax Credit.
There are two main categories of benefits that are extended to expectant mothers. First, the benefits considered before the child is born and second, benefits extended after the child has been delivered. Therefore, you must ensure that you capitalize on both to make it more comfortable for you and the child you are carrying. The main benefit when it comes to benefits given before the child is born is the benefits agency maternity pay. The Statutory Maternity Pay often applied by many expectant mothers falls under this category. Before one can start considering their eligibility, it is important to note that it only applies for working mothers or mothers to be. The law requires one to be in employment for a period close to seven months before the qualifying week with the same employer you want to be giving you this pay. This means that if for some reason you get fired before this period is over, the employer will have legal grounds to deny responsibility of granting you this allowance. However there are instances when some exceptions may be made for instance if you have been out of work during this period due to health issues. Even then, you will be expected to notify your employer when you would like to start your maternity leave which obviously will depend on the date which your baby will be due. Therefore a doctor’s report to certify this date will also be needed by your employer. Finally, ones eligibility also depends on whether or not their weekly gross income is above the least amount payable for National Insurance. On the other hand, benefits such as child tax credit is what you should apply for once the baby has been delivered. First ask yourself how do i qualify for the child tax credit? Well, basically the child must be below 17 years of age, a US citizen and you must have been staying with them for a period more than six months.
