Pregnancy illness benefit and hyperemesis

ganly

My partner last worked in February when her contract expired, it was expected to be renewed but she was and is suffering from hyperemesis and has been unable to work from then until now and has been claiming illness benefit.

Because she worked more than 16 weeks ago, she's not entitled to Maternity Benefit (the claim was denied) and the Illness Benefit will expire when the baby is born (any time now) because it's pregnancy related. She went down to the welfare office today to see about Jobseekers Benefit and was told they would be hounding her to find work and send around CVs from day one after the birth. She's not actively seeking work for the first 6 months after the baby is born and wants to enjoy her time before looking for further work.

Is the system really this broken? Is anyone out there familiar with the type of benefit that is available to unemployed new moms that aren't looking for work?

Millem

God love her.....hyperemesis is horrendous:(
Look up FIS it has changed it’s name recently.

catrionanic

Oh god, that is so unfair. Has she tried contacting a hyperemesis support group for advice? They must have experience with this.

TheBeach

She could go to her community welfare officer and enquire about swa payment. It might tide her over until she is on a position to be actively seeking employment and claim jobseekers been benefit.

Gatica

Is disability benefit an option for her, at least while she has the illness?