Am I entitled to any money?

Question

Although I'm not a single parent or on a low income I can't afford all the bits and bobs a new baby needs. There doesn't seem to be any help because I just about manage.

Answer 1

Hey! Don't worry about some of these comments. I GUARANTEE YOU THAT MOST OF THE PEOPLE THAT ARE PUTTING YOU DOWN EITHER ARE IN OR HAVE BEEN IN THE SAME SITUATION THAT YOU ARE IN NOW. AND I BET YOU ANYTHING THAT THEY WOULD NOT IN A MILLION YEARS SELL THEIR COMPUTER LIKE THEY ARE TELLING YOU TOO OR WOULD THEY TAKE THE SAME ADVICE AS THEY ARE GIVING YOU. GO TO THE PARENTING SECTION QUESTIONS AND SEE HOW MANY OF THE SAME PEOPLE YOU CAN FIND ON THERE TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT AND WHERE ARE THE CHEAPEST DIAPERS AND CLOTHES THAT THEY CAN FIND FOR THEIR CHILDREN. GOD BLESS YOU, MOM

Answer 2

If you are not single, and don't have low income, what's the problem? Sounds like you need to take a good look at your budget and see if there are areas you can cut back on. Maybe you spend money now on something you don't really have to have. When I first had my baby, I lived with my bf. It was great, splitting the bills with someone, and having money to buy new clothes when my baby needed, and other things for her also. Now I am on my own, and I seem to do it all ok. I don't have the extra money I used to, but she still has everything she needs. I only receive WIC, which is a great help, especially for formula in the beginning, but now that we're past that stage, I'm sure I could do without it. Besides, I didn't qualify right away, since I worked 2 jobs up until I had her, so I had to start out buying all her formula on my own anyway. Maybe you could work part time for the extra money.

Answer 3

I understand completely what you are going through. There is always something a new baby needs. What I did was try to weed out everything in my budget that wasn't a necessity. With a new baby, you tend to always want to buy the best, but, best isn't always a better buy, especially when your on a budget. Instead of buying a $30 outfit for your little one that he/she won't be able to wear in 2 weeks. Go to walmart/kmart and get 3 outfits for $20. A baby needs your time and caring, not to win best dressed of the year nor, I have more toys than you award. Take my advice and you will have the extra money to splurge if you want every now and then. And the baby will love you just the same.

Answer 4

This lady wanted you to help answer her question and no to offer your own opinion about her values.

If you can't help someone with a suitable answer then stop leaving unwelcom, judgemental comments.

As previous people have mentioned, babies really don't need all the things we are being told they do and second hand (ebay) is a great way of purchasing baby things that you will only need for a short time. Remember - most second hand items have usually only had one owner and have been used over a short period of time.

A little tip - if you have not yet had your baby then why don't you pick up some baby items and add them to your weekly shop between now and when the baby arrives. Nappies, creams, cotton wool, babygrows, etc - stock yourself up now while you still have your full income coming in.

Hope everything goes well.

Answer 5

My suggestion is to go down to your local social services office and see what they can do to help you.
Also buying things second hand is a great way to save money. Plus get over the feeling that your child has to have the best of everything. Most of the stuff out there is over priced because you are paying for a name brand, or not even necessary. Same goes for stuff for you and your hubby, Look at the stuff you spend your money on. You would be surprised at all the places you can cut corners and not even notice. Like Starbucks for one. Make your coffee at home and buy a travel mug. Buy no name food products. Borrow books from the library instead of buying them at a book store.
In Canada most people get what is called a Child Tax Benefit cheque. The amount varies depending on what you make, how many children you have, and how old they are. There is also a supplement for working families. It is used to supplement day care costs. Again that amount is dependant on what you make.
And there is something called a Universal Tax Credit cheque (I am not sure about that one as it is new and my child is too old to qualify). Plus the free health care really helps.

Answer 6

I see you got a lot of nasty feed back, sorry people didnt take the time to try to help you out. In my state we have help centers where you buy used nice clothes, toys etc cheaper, good will is also a great place to check out. I have found many many wonderful things at yard sales! Babies dont have to have new items just in good or better shape. After all their not babies for all. This also saves money to buy the things they do need new such as diapers and food lol. Clothes diapers doing the day are a great way of saving money and use the cheap throw away ones at night. Love is always free.

Answer 7

Once your baby is born you will be able to claim Family Allowance which is about £17 a week and also get Tax Credits. These help me pay for my weekly shopping and all the stuff my little girl needs on a weekly basis.

Also if you are on a low income you should also be entitled to a maternity grant. This is £500

See links below to get the ball rolling.

Answer 8

If you're in england and get income support, job seekers allowance or child tax credit higher than the family element you are entitled to a £500 grant from the government. You can claim any time from 29 weeks pregnant.
Google sure start maternity grant and it'll give you all the info you need.

Answer 9

A baby's needs is far more important than, its mother sitting in front of a computer asking silly questions about what u need. Get your husband or partner and yourself to get rid of your computer!!! an put the money u get towards your bits an bobs!!!otherwise just get on with it... u should plan these things before u go havin babies.

Answer 10

No. You are not ENTITLED to anything. Bits and bobs are just STUFF. Babies don't need them, Adults do because they want to impress their friends. A baby needs food, warmth, love, and a car-seat if you intend to drive or be driven anywhere. The rest is silly. If you MUST have the STUFF--buy at a resale shop or at a tag sale.