Hi, I'm basically looking for some advice on what I may or may not be entitled to. I'm 27 and expecting my first child in October, the problem is that I was made redundant last year and after a few months of being unemployed, got sick of waiting for someone to give me a job and decided to get my hackney carriage license. I have been driving a taxi since February but haven't got around to registering as self employed yet and obviously haven't paid any tax yet or filed a tax return. I'm working 50-60 hours a week and still struggle to make ends meet, I've always been a grafter but not sure how long I'll be able to work those kinds of hours whilst being pregnant. My other half earns about £17,000 a year and I also have a lodger who pays £75 a week. I don't know whether it would be best to just not bother registering as self employed at all and stop working or if I should continue to work until I'm unable to do so. What would I be entitled to in either case once I have to go on maternity? Would it be better financially for us if my partner didn't live with me? I'm really not looking to fleece the system, but I'm lucky to come out with £200 a week profit at the moment despite working so hard. I'm just so worried that we're going to struggle. I've worked since I was 13 and feel I'd like to have some time off with my baby without worrying that we can't afford to pay the rent! Thanks for any advice you can offer.
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