Hello,

My PhD funding has just come to an end. I have a toddler and am paying childcare costs. I have done some work on a self-employed basis, but not much in the past year. I'm married and my husband's wage falls above the threshold for child tax credits. Although I have some self-employed work lined up for the next couple of months I'm concerned the timelines will be pushed back and I won't be paid for a while. I'm currently applying for jobs.

This might sound silly but does anyone have any advice on whether I'm entitled to any benefits?! When I was pregnant it was only after a lot of digging around I realised I was entitled to maternity allowance due to the self-employed work I'd undertaken. No-one seems to understand the complexities of non-taxable PhDs when you phone for advice and the standard online calculators don't apply.

Thanks in advance :)

In short no as your husbands wage is too high. If your funding has ended and I guess then you are post 3 yes and in 'write up' and therefore not technically a full time student anymore and you are looking for work (albeit academic related) you could try applying for job seekers allowance. I'd suggest this anyway as claiming it contributes to your state pension national insurance stamp.