Help on maternity allowance

[teatoast8]

Hi, to qualify for this, do you have to work the qualifying period 18-24 weeks, or is it any 13 weeks in the 26 weeks before the due date? When I've Googled it, those weeks aren't mentioned at all. But had someone say its in their contract that they have to work those weeks. I don't think it's in mine and not read anything online that states it. I know all companies are different.

Tia x

To be eligible for maternity allowance you have to have been employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your due date, and you have to have been earning at least £30 per week in 13 of those weeks x

Thank you so much for that :) good to know that I don't need to work those weeks and can go back to work as planned in January x

Are you sure you mean maternity allowance? As you mention contract, there is no contract for maternity allowance so not sure if you may actually be talking about SMP or your employers maternity pay?

Just to make sure because the rules on eligibility are different for SMP and will be different again if it’s for your employer’s pay x

Its just my friend with her contract with her company for allowance she needs to work those weeks. Which I thought strange. I thought it was just for smp. Unless she's got it mixed up I don't know. X

I'm just relieved I don't have to go back to work sooner. Currently on maternity leave with second so yes this pregnancy was definitely not planned 😅 but definitely wanted x

So is it definitely Maternity Allowance you are planning on claiming? Rather than SMP or any paid maternity leave through your employer? X

Just maternity allowance :) will only be able to work 2 morning and be easier to go for that. X

Ah okay I see! Well then yes as long as you meet the criteria mentioned earlier you will be fine. Good luck! X

Thank you. Also read that it can be any 13 weeks in that time period you mentioned x

Yes you just have to earn over £30 a week for 13 of those 26 weeks and it doesn’t have to be 13 consecutive weeks x

@teatoast8 quick question so if I go back the second week in January. I'm due 11th May. I'll still be eligible? Definitely will have worked 13 weeks in that period x

You need to have worked for 26 weeks in the last 66 weeks before your due date, not 13 x

Ah I thought it was 13 in the last 26 weeks. Guess I'll have go go back earlier x

No so you have to have been employed for 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your due date, and for 13 of those 26 weeks you have to have earned above the threshold x

I got told you're classed as still working on maternity leave x

I'll have definitely been employed for the 26 weeks before due date and will have worked above the threshold 13 of those weeks. Will I need to go back to work sooner? X

@Mrsttcno1 if I do have to go back earlier will have to be November. Was hoping to back in January. Never mind. Either way I'll definitely earn above the threshold for 13 of those weeks. There not a problem x

You do meet the requirements for maternity allowance. I'm not positive but your smp from this baby might be taken into account which may be higher if you are going back for very limited hours.

If you meet those criteria then you should be fine, you can always give them a call to double check x

Unfortunately didn't get smp this baby as was off sick with bad hip pain x

Awww good. As really don't wanna go back earlier. Who do I need to call? X

I might be alright. From what it says here x

Obviously I've had no period of unemployment or different job. And the fact you're still classed as working whilst on maternity. May be okay. Can either ring or leave a message on journal on my UC or ring citizens advice x

I'll have definitely gone above the threshold for 13 weeks tho. X