Maternity Allowance and JSA

[WinterLover]

I've searched and searched google but cant find what im looking for.

Im currently an agency worker in a school. I have a very strong feeling that my 'contract' will end not long after I tell them im pregnant. Even if they keep me there it will end july anyway.

I have checked and I already have worked 36 weeks since the start of my qualifying period.

My question is: If I claim JSA from July until im 29 weeks, then ESA would this affect my maternity allowance? I cant find the info anywhere. I have a feeling i'll have to call the Jobcentre to find out but was hoping someone on here would have some insight into it.

I'd be interested to know too. CAB website says you can claim ESA and Maternity Allowance at the same time but everywhere else says it's one or the other.

The way I read it I can go from JSA to maternity allowance as long as I've worked enough in my qualifying time (which I already have). I just didn't know if being on JSA affected maternity allowance in any way.

Yes you can go from JSA to MA providing you have early enough in your test period. Just not sure where ESA comes into it.

Earned*

the ESA was my error I thought there was a gap between JSA ceasing and Maternity allowance starting.

Thanks I might be able to sleep tonight now. im hoping I find agency work for aug/sept but with childcare I can't see it being easy.

ESA is what you claim if you cannot get MA,if your MA claim is refused they automatically apply for ESA for you.

You will get jsa until MA kicks in then you get that for 39 weeks after that its ESA