How to Make Money on Maternity Leave

The baby is on it’s way and it’s time to take it easy. Maternity leave is a period of joy for many as they prepare to bring their little ones into this world. However, for some, maternity leave might kickstart a new set of money worries. Thankfully, there are many great solutions. Find out how you can earn maternity leave income with Stashbee, all without having to lift a finger. Sounds perfect, right?
 

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How Much Maternity Pay Do I Get?

The majority of those who go on employed maternity leave will receive full pay or 90% of full pay (which is the statutory minimum) for the first six weeks. After this initial period, this rate will drop.

The statutory maternity pay (SMP) is £151.97 per week, or 90% of your average weekly earnings, depending on which is lower. This will be paid to you for the next 33 weeks of the maternity leave you take.

Note: this information is correct for the 2020/21 tax year.
 

 

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Can I Work While on Maternity Leave?

In short, you can work on a self-employed basis during your maternity leave, without it affecting your SMP.

You’ll still be bound by your current full-time employer while on maternity leave. Not all contracts allow employees to work elsewhere, so make sure to check if it allows you to take up self-employed work. So, whether you’d like to keep yourself busy, or it’s necessary for you to have an additional stream of income, you’ll be pleased to know that there’s loads of things to do on maternity leave to make extra money.

Be aware that if you do earn extra cash separate from your usual employment, you will need to declare those earnings on top of your full-time salary. To check if there is any additional tax you may need to pay, make sure to complete a self-assessment at the end of the financial year.

What Can I Do to Make Extra Money During Maternity Leave?

Luckily, there are quite a few ways you can earn some maternity leave income and boost your family finances. Whether it’s a hobby or a completely new business idea, you can get your creative juices flowing and earn extra cash. But just in case you’re stuck on ideas, here are our top things to do on maternity leave to make money:

1) Rent out your spare space

If earning extra cash without doing much sounds good, then consider renting out your spare space with Stashbee. Whether it’s an empty driveway for parking, or your garage or a spare room for storage, people nearby are looking for affordable space and yours just might be perfect for them.

Why not rent your parking space on an hourly, daily, or monthly basis, or rent your garage which people might use for parking or storage purposes. The only work you have to do is sign up - which only takes about 5 minutes - and list your space, then wait until you receive bookings! We’ve even put together a handy 10-step guide to renting out your space to help you get started.
 

 

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2) Sell your unwanted things online

It’s always good to have a bit of a clear out before your due date, especially if you’re looking to turn a spare room into a nursery. But what if you could actually get some money for the things you no longer want or need? If it’s clothes, try selling your items on websites and apps like Depop and Vinted. For electronics and other bits and bobs, Ebay and Gumtree are always good places to check out.

3) Consider freelancing

If you already have a side-gig as a freelancer on top of your existing job, the good news is you can keep doing it. Whether it’s copywriting, bookkeeping, or handling social media accounts, you can turn your passion into pounds, whatever your speciality is.
 

 

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4) Try pet-sitting or dog walking

If you love being around animals, why not earn some extra cash looking after them? Perhaps dog walking would be the perfect opportunity to get out of the house and get some fresh air. Plus, who doesn’t love the company of dogs? It’s a great way to keep entertained and earn some income.

5) Tutoring

If you’ve got an extra skill that you’re excited to pass on to someone else, why not get paid for it? Maybe you speak a second language, or play an instrument - whatever it may be, budding students will be more than willing to pick up the extra study time, especially around the exam period for SATs, GCSEs, and A-levels.

And there you go - five easy and simple ways to earn money whilst on maternity leave. The best thing is that, however you choose to do it, you don’t have to over-exert yourself. Freelancing and selling unwanted items are things you can do at your own pace, while renting spare space with Stashbee requires you to do virtually nothing but wait for the money to roll in!
 

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