Query re benefits

Cassious123

Hi there. I was wondering if someone could help me.I have recently found out I am expecting a baby which I am delighted about but i will be a single mom with no support. I am terrified as I don't see any way I can afford this baby. I'm 35 in full time employment earning 40k( monthly take home pay is 2300). I bought a small 2 bed terraced house in 2005 at the height of the boom and my mortgage is 1400 per month. By the time bills and car loan are taken I am left with around 450 pm to live on. Can anyone explain what I am entitled to as any information I can find says i won't get anything. I don't know how I can afford child care . Any help is really appreciated as this is really causing me to fret

Bannasidhe

I am not sure how they calculate outgoings and if things like cost of housing etc are taken into account but Family Income Supplement may be a possibility for you.
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/social_welfare_payments_to_families_and_children/family_income_supplement.html

Moonbeam

you will get child benefit of 130 euro a month,you might qualify for FIS and a have a look at gp only medical cards.

I am moving this to a more suitable forum.

eimsRV

Once you have your child you can apply for a lone parent tax credit. In relation to FIS, I don't think you will qualify based on your income but you could check with your local welfare office.
Can you reduce any of your bills/outgoings?

Cassious123

Thanks for your reply I didint realise there was tax allowance available. I really can't reduce my outgoIngs I have really tried. It just all adds up and it's not like I have a social life that I could cut back on. I can't even rent a room out coz I only have two bed rooms in my house. I really thought I was doing right buying the house when I did lime everyone else. Maybe I'd be better off chucking in my job I don't see how I can afford child care as everywhere I look the price is nearly 1000 per month

alibab

What about the baby's dad will he not be paying maintenance for his child that will help with costs

yabadabado

You will get €130 child benefit per month.Going on the figures you have posted (€2300) you will not get FIS or Lone parents payments.The best thing you can do is get maintenance from the child's father,I would contact him now and start the process .If he refuses go straight to a solicitor to start proceedings.
You could give up your job as you suggested but I think the most you will receive is about €220 per week.

eastbono

You dont have to get a solicitor. You can apply to the courts directly yourself to get a maintenance order.

Cassious123

Thanks so much everyone I really appreciate it. The solicitor costs were a worry too but hopeful I will not need it. Tho the dad is not working at the moment so doubt il get too much from him. Hopefully with lower tax credit and child allowance a a little from he dad I will just about scrape by!!!!! Feel like money matters are taking the joy out of this for me

LegacyUser

I would suggest you ask the father to mind the child while you are at work if he is not working. That way you won't have childcare costs and it will help you manage better.

I know you are not together but he still has a responsibility to help out especially if he is not paying maintenance.

StillWaters

Cassious123 wrote: »

Maybe I'd be better off chucking in my job I don't see how I can afford child care as everywhere I look the price is nearly 1000 per month

If the baby's dad is not working, surely he can have the baby during the day whilst you work?

Cassious123

He made it clear he doesn't want to have a baby so I dont think he would want to mind the baby. I will be lucky to get maintenance I'd say.!

wmpdd3

You will get maintance, but the amount is the question. Once the baby is born you can ask for maintenance and if there is no dialogue or agreement you fill out a form at the courthouse and you will get a date in family court. It will all be sorted pretty easily if he has a small income and no assets etc.

The initial maintenance may be small but as time goes on and his circumstances change you can return to court for an increase. But try to do this by mediation as through the courts can be expensive for you. (he may get free legal aid)

The one parent tax allowance is quite good, you can find out how much here:
www.taxcalc.ie

You should look at asking for a parental day a week for the first year when you go back to work. It will be unpaid but you'll save on the childcare.

Maybe a family member one day a week and the creche for the other 3 days could work for you. Or a childminder, this can be good value depending on your work hours.

You may have to approach your bank with your new finances and see what can be done with your repayments.

Best of luck.

LegacyUser

Hi I am currently on maternity leave my income monthly is 2000 and Im getting f €262 a week for six months that's your maternity but you have to check with your social just give them a ring and ask them what are your options so u know for sure. But this is only for the period of six months starting from the day you start your ML. Also i heard there are some social benefits you might be entitled since you're a single mother but again you have to check. And have about your family anyone who might be able to help you out on few days or find a person who looks after 1-2 children to take care of yrs as well will be half of the cost comparing to crèches good luck!

LegacyUser

Hi I am currently on maternity leave my income monthly is 2000 and Im getting f €262 a week for six months that's your maternity but you have to check with your social just give them a ring and ask them what are your options so u know for sure. But this is only for the period of six months starting from the day you start your ML. Also i heard there are some social benefits you might be entitled since you're a single mother but again you have to check. And have about your family anyone who might be able to help you out on few days or find a person who looks after 1-2 children to take care of yrs as well will be half of the cost comparing to crÃ႒¨ches good luck!

etymon

Just to say he might change his mind once baby is born? - best of luck with it all.