Benefit in lieu of SMP for forces mums overseas - does it exist?

[Rhinestone]

Hi ladies,

Hope one of you can help. DH and I currently posted overseas, DC1 due in a matter of weeks. I had assumed I wasn't entitled to any of the maternity benefits as I don't work where we are, however someone I know is sure that we get something from the MOD in lieu of SMP if we left our job to follow DH overseas. But she doesn't know any more details than that!

Can anyone enlighten me? Bit reluctant to get DH to ask as it sounds a bit flaky.

ask the aff (army families federation) if you don't want to ask the families bod. The aff know everything about everything (even about the stuff that no-one wants you know about) :o

Thanks anklebitersmum I have tried them but have had no reply to my messages.

Did you give up work before getting pregnant ? If so I don't think you are entitled but you will get LOA and child benefit :)

SMP is something you are paid if you are in employment and even if you go overseas for a posting and you are on maternity leave from your job, you will still get paid SMP, and presumably hand in your notice 7 weeks before you are due to return to work. You never know if you are going to be posted back after all . But if you have handed in your notice or are not currently employed then you are not entitled to SMP. You waive that right when you terminate your employment. If you were employed, became pregnant and didn't meet the requirements to obtain SMP then you would be entitled to MA (maternity allowance) from the government in lieu of SMP and it would be paid, and is the same amount, via the benefits system. If you are unemployed, and posted overseas you are entitled to child allowance and the additional LOA that having another child attracts, once the baby has been born. Hope that helps.