Nhs maternity qualifying period

[Hopp]

I hope this makes sense, I’ll try and explain my query..

I know the qualifying period for my maternity pay is based on weeks 17-25 of my pregnancy, which for me will be middle of May until early July. I’m not sure which pay slips will be used, May and June? Or June and July?? But my main question is about my enhancements...

Is it based on what I actually bring home during these months, bearing in mind enhancements are a month behind? Or will it be based on what I actually work these weeks?

I’m currently working loads of nights that I’m keen to come off ASAP, but don’t want to lose the benefit of it being used to base my maternity pay on if that makes sense. My plan was to stay on them until I’m 24 weeks (if my health allows), but if I can stop them earlier I’d love to!
I plan to ring payroll on Monday to see if they can clarify, but just wondered if anyone has any further info?
Thanks

[flowery]

For SMP it is based on what you actually receive during the qualifying period, regardless of when it was technically earned.

For enhanced occupational maternity pay, it should say in your policy what this is based on. If it’s, say, full pay for 10 weeks then half pay for 10 weeks, or whatever it might be, then your maternity policy should say how full pay is defined.

[FormerlyFrikadela01]

In my trust it was your actual pay slips during those weeks so may and june.

[Hopp]

Thank you both! I really hope it is May and June’s pay slips because that means I can come off nights soon! Im not made for permanent nights! Love my sleep too much!
I’ll find out this week from payroll if I can. My maternity policy wasn’t very clear from what I seen, but I’ll have another look tonight.

[mussie]

If you do find out from payroll, please come back and post an update! I work in the NHS and have been pondering the exact same questions, and not been finding the maternity policy very helpful.

[Hopp]

Just an update.
I’ve spoken to payroll, my qualifying months will be May and June because the July payday is one week after my qualifying week so they have to go with the earlier ones. Which is good news for me because I can finish my nights in May!
Also I confirmed that it is what I actually get paid on those wage slips that counts towards my maternity pay, regardless of when I earned it.
All good news for me today, happy Friday

[mussie]

That is so good to know, thanks so much for the update! Helps me plan when to do all my nights and overtime as well. Best of luck with the rest of your nights!

[Hopp]

Thanks mussie I’m so glad I rang to check. I found some info online too which backs up what they said. Hope this can be useful for other people in the future
I’m counting down the shifts until I finish my nights now!