30 Free Hours on Mat Leave

[Lighthouse88]

Hi all,

i'm due to have my second baby in Oct, just as my first born turns three. We are in a very lucky position of me being able to leave my job this time round, for me to stay at home to look after my children and eventually retrain in a new career.

I'm just wondering if anyone had any insight into claiming the 30 free hrs childcare, during mat leave when they intend to actual resign? I know I can still claim for the 39 weeks of me receiving statory pay, while employed. But if I resign before then, would that effect things?

I know that even if I leave my employer before the end of my statory 39 weeks is up, I will still receive my 39 weeks pay. But I'm not sure if I can still claim the 30 free hrs as I'm technically no longer working.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you!

How long is your notice period and how much holiday will you have accrued?

Can you just give notice at the end of the 39 weeks and then you would just be on unpaid maternity leave for your notice period, but you would still be employed?

Hi Shelia, yes I think this might be the answer! I'm pretty sure my notice period is 3 months, but I need to check over my contract. But I think this is the obvious answer... I think I have been overthinking things ha!! Thank you :)

i agree with others, stay employed as long as you can. And make sure when you do leave work, you continue pension contributions from your family income so you are not losing out financially whilst not working.