Zero hour contract Maternity Pay query

[MrsLouM]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could help me.

I am currently working on a zero hour contract while I am studying full time at university and have recently found out I am pregnant. I do not earn enough to pay NI in my current job, however, I have paid NI for numerous years when I worked full time - probably from about the age of 20 until one year ago (so in total 11 years)

Does anyone know if I will be entitled to SMP? I have no idea about any of this.

Some advice would be greatly appreciated. My husband and I have been trying for a baby for a long time now and we are over the moon, but the thought of having no income (other than student loans, which are used for books and traveling to and from uni) for numerous months is quite daunting. I will be just finishing 2nd year when my baby will be born and then begin final year in the September so not having to worry about rushing back to a job would be a great weight lifted off my shoulders.

Thanks!

Unlikely you’ll get SMP but you may be eligible for some Maternity Allowance. There’s a calculator on the gov.uk website.

Yes, I did try to calculator on gov.uk and I got the impression that if I earned £116 per week from the 1 Dec until a date in Feb I would then be entitled to SMP, but I do not know if this is accurate. I would probably be best speaking to my employer. Thank you. :)

You haven’t really given enough information to allow us to help you fully.

What further information would help?

Hey OP. If you’ve done the calculator on the gov website that’s pretty spot on. Your entitlement to SMP depends upon your earnings in a snapshot period (off the top of my head the 8 weeks ending with the 15th week before your EWC).

Hi! Sorry I am just getting around to replying. I have spoken to my boss and have been advised to contact Labour Relations so as I am aware of all my rights. I do think, from what I have read, that it is worked out from an eight week period.

Thanks everyone!