Looking further ahead
Going back to work
Your maternity leave will end within 12 months of your baby being born. If you want to return to work earlier than intended, you need to give your employer eight weeks’ notice.
Claim or ask for a review of your previous claim if you will now be eligible for Working Tax Credit.
Arrange and try out your childcare before you start back so that both you and your child can get used to the arrangement. Claim any help with the cost from tax credits or your employer.
See Useful contacts for organisations that can give you details of locally available childcare.
If you want more time for your family, consider asking your employer for flexible working.
See these other sections:
Studying or retraining
Choose how you will study, for example distance learning from home or going into a college or training centre.
As well as the usual financial support for students, parents may qualify for extra grants and help with childcare.
The New Deal (a package of state help) can help lone parents, or partners of claimants, getting certain benefits and entitlements to find suitable training and childcare. See Planning ahead for a new family and Paying for childcare.
Starting a business
Your local Business Link (or equivalent organisation) can give guidance on all aspects of setting up and running your own business.
Check whether you qualify for financial help, for example through Working Tax Credit or the New Deal.
See these other sections: