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Taking maternity leave as a sponsor?

Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2016 1:32 pm
by Marie-Line
Hi!

I really can't find the answer to this anywhere!
I am a Belgian sponsoring my Canadian husband and living in Scotland together. We both work, but I know only what I do counts for this status.
Now we would like to start a family... Probably in the next 1 to 2 years. As I could take up to 12 months leave at work I am wondering if then the sponsorship would still be ok then. I am thinking it would not be as I would be on 'benefits' then. /just want to make sure we are taking smart and correct decisions here! Not sure how to do this...

Does anyone have experience with this or have a link to the official information that covers this?

Thank you!!

Re: Taking maternity leave as a sponsor?

Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2016 3:13 pm
by lake1
Marie-Line wrote:Hi!

I really can't find the answer to this anywhere!
I am a Belgian sponsoring my Canadian husband and living in Scotland together. We both work, but I know only what I do counts for this status.
Now we would like to start a family... Probably in the next 1 to 2 years. As I could take up to 12 months leave at work I am wondering if then the sponsorship would still be ok then. I am thinking it would not be as I would be on 'benefits' then. /just want to make sure we are taking smart and correct decisions here! Not sure how to do this...

Does anyone have experience with this or have a link to the official information that covers this?

Thank you!!
You should be fine as long as you are still employed with the same employer while on maternity, you will still be classed as a worker.

What am not sure about and maybe others can assist is if you decide to take 12 months maternity as the full 12 months isn't paid, but am sure you'll be fine for the period that is paid - 9 months I think.

Am tempted to say you'll be fine for the full 12 months as you are basically still employed and a worker.

All the best.