maternity pay, do I qualify?

[bumbleandbumble]

I read that you need to work for 26 weeks in order to get SMP.

Does it count that I worked for 1 year as a maternity cover (it was a one year contract) and then recently, when the maternity contract finished, they have offered me a full time role. So does my qualifying period start from when I first started working there or does it start from when they offered me the full time position?

[HelenF350]

If you have been working continuously I believe it starts from the day you were first employed.

[LotusLight]

Were you an employee? I was self employed with the twins so got zilch.

[HighOverTheFenceLeapsSunnyJim]

If you don't get SMP sounds like you will get Maternity allowance. There's an eligibility calculator you can do online if you google.

[bumbleandbumble]

I am an employee. I have a contract....but I really need the full pay. Its just that my first year it was a temporary, one year contract...now the job is permanent. This is why I am confused. Its been well over 26 from the beginning or does the beginning only count when they offered the permanent role???

[ThatIsNachoCheese]

Continuously working? From the beginning.

[Finbar]

Get into the gov.uk website and use the calculator on there - it's great. And very simple information etc.