SMP query

[CheshireDing]

I don't want to ask my current employer because I am leaving but wanted to check whether this is correct.

I am on ML and only get paid the basic SMP (£541.80pm).

For my July pay slip I have only received £270.90 SMP. I don't understand how I can receive less. I thought it was the same all the time until the last 3 months when I get nothing.

I understand I do not get taxed on this but my wage slip shows no NI contributions either. I am wondering whether this means "theoretically" I will be penalised when I retire in terms of state pension due to not contributing during this time? I do appreciate it might be worth bugger all when I retire anyway but wanted to check.

Are you in the childcare voucher scheme? How far into Mat Leave are you?

The amount is exactly half you are entitled to so I think they have made a mistake, and I would call them.

You dont say how far into maternity leave you are? This is the amount I will be getting for this month. Because I started my mat leave mid month. And I moved onto nothing mid this month. Could it be anything that simple?

It does look like they've only given you two weeks worth - when did you go on ML?

If you are claiming child benefit, this counts in place of NI contributions

Thanks ladies, to answer your questions:-

I am not in a childcare voucher scheme.

Is Child Benefit the thing that everyone gets? That's the only thing we are entitled to (£81.20pm I think that is).

I am near the end of my ML.

I finished on 29th Sept and had 6 days holiday to use, so hols were -
29th, 30th Sept, 3rd-6th Oct. So as far as I am concerned ML started on EDD was 12th Oct so ML should have started on Fri 7th Oct (baby turned up on 5th Oct although I have no idea if this is relevant, work don't know the exact date she turned up I don't think).

I would have just expected 3 months of zero pay, maybe no money for July, Aug, Sept, starting back at work in Oct. Unless I have completely misunderstood it - which is possible.

My resignation date is mid Sept this year, don't know if that has anything to do with it?

That sounds right then.

In fact, a bit like an overpayment so I would just keep quiet

Pay is usually in arrears anyway.

By law your maternity pay has to begin the day after you give birth by the latest so it would have started on 6th oct if that makes any difference.