Financially broken

I feel so lost and broken rn. I can't claim SMP as I was working 0h contacts and was a full time student before my little girl was born. She's now 4 months old and growing so well. My partner has recently changed contracts which has meant our UC claim is pretty much nill. I am now living off CB (£100pcm) which is no where near enough to cover everything I have to pay for. My partner covers the big expenses so I can't even ask him for help with paying for everything. This has meant I'm looking for a job earlier than expected. However I can't find anything that fits what I need (part time about 3 days a week and not care assistant) or what I'm qualified for (most of what I'm finding are nurses or mechanics, neither of which I'm qualified for). Has anyone find a solution to this or has a reliable side hussle that has helped? NB I have nothing to sell so please don't recommend vinted

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Can you drive? delivery driving even an hour or 2 in the evenings might help

Have you tried agency work? You state what days /nights / pattern you can do and in what field and it’s over to them to find you something fitting. Often pay is above NMW too x

@Flo unfortunately not which is usually my short fall when it comes to applying for work

@Hollie do you know an agency to do this with? I've looked it up before and not been able to find one

Could you look for a retail job in the mean time? I work in retail so know this time of year is when places start hiring Xmas temps (this can lead to a more permanent position too) x

@Ryan there isn't anything up yet for retail in my area. I'll keep looking though

If you can’t get SMP, can’t you qualify for maternity allowance? https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance

Same here. £102 a month and got no MA or SMP. Starting work next month.

@Rebekah already claimed it. It helped for the first 1.5 months of my baby girls life

@Hayley I don't get how they think it's livable

I was with one called brook street for 3 years pre baby. I used to get paid more than the people who worked directly for the employer x

Don’t you get that every month?

I would get in touch with citizens advice. They could maybe point you in the right direction. Otherwise have a look for flexible working. It might not be your thing but try Customer adviser roles. Most are flexible and can work from home as well.

@Rebekah yeah. £100 per calendar month

That’s child benefit, what I’ve shared is maternity allowance which is similar to SMP, it is £184 per week, you can claim for 39 weeks..

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