Can anyone help me with maternity allowance ?:)

[Firstpregnancy2014]

Basically.. I completed my degree in July. So wasn't working full time- was just working in a pub for a while.

To quality for maternity allowance you have to had worked 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before baby is due. So basically from 18th August last year till November 30th (babys due date) I need 26 weeks.

I have worked out I've already done about 15 weeks. 2 weeks ago I started a new job which is for nearly 16 weeks .. I finish the week before baby is due.
All together this gives me 30 weeks .. However does anyone know if I actually have to had completed these weeks before putting in my claim?

I know if I had already completed them I could submit my claim and MA would start from when I finish work- however I am unsure if my work contract is sufficient to claim without actually having completed the weeks yet?

Sort fit hat sounds confusing !

[chiliplant]

Hey, I don't really have an answer. I was trying t work it for myself..hate my job and wanted t know if worse came t worse would I b able t claim if I left tomorrow!
It doesn't help that on the official website their are a lot of 'may' this and 'may' that...

[Gen35]

Not sure re your specific queries but I phoned jobcentreplus re MA (if you google maternity allowance and go to the gov website the nbr is on there) and they were helpful, they should be able to advise.

[RetroHippy]

I think the 26 weeks has to be completed by week 25 of the pregnancy, but definitely get on to CAB to find out for sure. I hope it works out for you, with a temporary contract I'm having a nightmare working this out.

[Firstpregnancy2014]

It's so confusing - I'm beginning to think if have been better off not taking this job which is frustrating !
I know to get statutory maternity pay the 26 weeks have to be completed before the 25th week of pregnancy however with maternity allowance it states in the 66 weeks before baby's due date and can be at different employers! Going to ring for advise tomorrow.... Hopefully will understand more then thanks !!:)

[ilovepowerhoop]

www.gov.uk/government/publications/maternity-benefits-technical-guidance/maternity-benefits-technical-guidance - there is info about maternity allowance part way through this leaflet

[RetroHippy]

Ah, right. I'm getting confused with smp. I'll be getting onto the admin lady at work when I go back after the summer. I'm really hoping I'm entitled to smp. Fingers crossed!

[thatstoast]

I had this issue. I was told by the DWP that they couldn't process my form until I'd actually worked the 26 weeks. I qualified about 3 weeks before my due date so was actually on maternity leave (using Annual Leave) when I sent it off. It did mean that there was a delay, I think I got my first payment about a month after the baby was born (back dated).

Hope that helps but if you've got any more questions let me know. Also, unlike other government departments I found the people who deal with MA very helpful.