If self employed - will I still get Statutory Maternity Pay???

[Isobella123]

Do I have to have made National Insurance Contributions.

I haven't been an employee since 2002 and although I have been self employed for the last 12 months for some reason have not made any contributions.

I just wonder whether if I do manage to conceive if I am going to be forced back to work straight away in order to make ends meet.

[hana]

yes you will have had to be contributing to NI. If you've been self employed - don't you have 3 months before you have to declare this and thus start paying NI contributions? I'd get on the phone to fine out

[Teuch]

I sem to recall that it is Maternity Allowance, as opposed to SMP, but it is exactly the same rate.

But i think you have to have been paying NI for 26 out of the last 60 weeks or something like that.

To be honest, you are legally required to pay NI when self-employed, or apply for exemption so you should check that out - they can be pretty vicious with the fines!!

[isobella123]

We have an accountant and I presume that he set this up for me.

I had a letter about a year ago saying I wowed about £63.00 and that I would have to pay £10 a month or something. I set up the direct debit but no money has ever been taken and paid the £63.00.

I haven't really worried about it is only £120 ish and I could always pay as a lump sum.

[isobella123]

Teuch - I have cross posted and am worried now.

They definitely cashed my cheque so must have received my direct debit instruction at the same time

Perhaps I was exempt - I haven't made much money this year (about £6,000.00).

[flowerybeanbag]

Isobella no you don't get SMP, you may be entitled to Maternity Allowance, which isn't the same rate I'm afraid, you don't get 6 weeks at 90% of your salary as you would with SMP.

BUt obviously you need to have been making contributions so I suggest you try and work out what the 'some reason' you haven't been doing so is and sort that out. Here's some info about maternity allowance.

[isobella123]

Thanks flowerybeanbag.

I have just phoned them and have been making contributions. (Aparently they are coming out of the office account - how can that be if I am self employed?).

Presumably then I would qualify for Maternity Allowance.

[orangina]

Is ti Maternity allowance or amternity benefit? Can't remember the esxact term. All dependant upon you having paid enough NI for the past x number of months. BUT, remember, you will get TAXED on this blardy benefit, before you go spending it all at once (where's the benefit in that?!)

[orangina]

sorry for iffy typing

[flowerybeanbag]

It's maternity allowance, see link.

[isobella123]

Thanks all.

Better than nothing I suppose and at least it means we wont be completely strapped for cash.