not entitled for smp what do I do now??

[Red81]

Hi Ive recently just found out that im expecting again and because I only work 8 hours a week and earn less then £107 a week im not entitled to get SMP!!? Is there any thing else that im entitled to? I cant afford to live off nothing, I worked full time 3 years ago when I was on maternity leave with my LO and recieved SMP, so it never even occured to me that I wouldnt get anything this time:( having a little freak out if anyone knows anything about this that could put my mind at ease or point me in the right direction I would be very grateful thanks xx

Maternity Allowance?

Maternity allowance. here you are

You should be eligible for maternity allowance which is 90% of your average weekly earnings.

Sorry, but did you think that you wold receive more than your wages by way of allowance for having a baby? I know you cannot live on fresh air, but how have you been supporting yourself earning less than SMP thresholds anyway then, iyswim?

Obviously benefits kick in for parents who have no means to support themselves. SMP is an allowance of pay in lieu of wages.

Sorrry I didnt know what maternity allowance was thanks , I thought last time I was pregnant that I seen something about 90% of earnings if they were below a certain amount, I only went on the goverment website to check yesterday and it was smp I was looking at, didnt even see anything for MA, thanks for your help feel alot better now, havent told my employer im pregnant yet its still early days :)

Thingummybob, my partner works full time but we still rely on my wage even if it isnt alot so the thought of not having anything while on mat leave got me panicing a bit x

thanks so much everyone I feel alot better now xx

Hi u will get workin/child tax credit aswel depending on your total income.

yeah we get them at the mo for my lo ( not very much) but every little helps x

Yeah It certainly does.I don't live with my bf at the moment but we are saving to get somewere.I have been using my tax credits to save as I know it will all change when we get a place together :-( he is self employed and am on mat all.

good luck xx