5 things you need to know about...child benefit

5 things you need to know about…child benefit

1. All parents can claim child benefit for each of their children up to the age of 16 (19 if in full-time education), no matter how much they earn.

2. The amount for 2007/8 is £18.10 a week for your first child, and £12.10 for any other children.

3. It’s important to start claiming within three months of your child’s birth or you may lose some of your entitlement.

4. Benefit is paid monthly, directly into your nominated bank or building society account.

5. You may get an application form in the Bounty pack you’re given in hospital. Otherwise, call the Tax Credits helpline on 0845 300 3900 to arrange for one to be sent to you.

63 per cent of fathers feel they don’t spend enough time with their new baby, according to a report by the Equal Opportunities Commission. The report also highlights the importance of dads’ involvement in their children’s emotional and behavioural development. High time for new paternity leave laws, then…

Happy holidays

During your Ordinary Maternity Leave period, your annual holiday continues to accrue at the same rate as if you were at work. If you take Additional Maternity Leave, you still accrue holiday, but only at the statutory rate of 20 days per year.

If you’re not ready to return to work at the end of your maternity leave, your employer may agree to you taking any of the rest of the annual leave owed to you before you return to work.

Did you know?

Women who are pregnant or on maternity leave have an automatic right to written reasons for dismissal, regardless of how long you’ve been with your employer.

Working with a bump

Reader panelist Kate Byrne, xx, is xx weeks pregnant with her first baby and works as Assistant to the Cayman Islands Government Representative in the UK


How did you tell your work colleagues you were pregnant?

Well, I’ve never been one to turn down a drink or ten, so rather than face lots of awkward questions at the office Christmas party, I decided to tell everyone, even though I hadn’t had my 12 week scan. I cunningly released the information as part of a Christmas quiz I had organised!


How did they react?

My boss has been really supportive, helpful and flexible; she has even arranged for me to work out in the Cayman Islands (my home) for a month before the birth, so I can have my baby there without having to take maternity leave before the birth due to flying restrictions.


How much maternity leave are you planning to take?

Five and a half months. But who knows? I might be gagging to get back to work, or I might just love motherhood too much. It’s an unknown…


What are you going to do about childcare?

My husband Des is going to do it, as his work’s very flexible. If he can’t work from home some days we will look into our local childcare options.


Have you spent much on baby products so far?

We haven’t bought anything specifically for the baby yet, but we have just bought a lovely new nursery with a house attached!


Are you worried about the financial aspect of having a baby?

Not really, as neither of us will be earning any less. In fact, we might even save money as we won’t go out as much.


Which celebrity working mum do you most admire?

I admire my friends with kids more than any celebrities, as they do a great job without the help of nannies, personal assistants etc.