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Original poster

Right, this is confusing....maternity pay question

9 replies

intergalacticwalrus · 09/05/2006 13:02

I'm bloody confused. I haven't a clue of what to claim for. My employer tells me I can't get SMP, as I haven't worked there long enough, and I have e feeling I can't get maternity allowance either, so what's the alternative? I'll tell you my background,......

I started working for my employer (Jo Jingles) in April 2004, when I was pg with DS. I left in Novemebr 2004, and havd DS in the December. I got MA, as I had worked enough weeks in the 66 week test period for a previous employer. I went back to work for Jo Jingles on 9th September 2005, and am still there now. I'm starting to stress about it, as we will be up shit creek without a paddle come July when I will leave Jo Jingles (I'm due in September, but summer hols inbetween) HELP!!!!

OP posts:
beckybrastraps · 09/05/2006 13:04

I thought it was 6 months qualifying period now?

Gem13 · 09/05/2006 13:05

I think you're eligible for MA because...

'you’ve been at work for at least 26 weeks of the 'test period' (66 weeks up to and including the week before your baby is due)'

copied from the directgov. website.

gomez · 09/05/2006 13:10

Stick your details in here \link{http://www.tiger.gov.uk/cgi-bin/employed03.pl\TIGER website} and that will tell you.

julienetmum · 09/05/2006 15:33

Couple of questions.

Are you classed as employed or self employed with Jo Jingles?

Are you paying National Insurance contributions?

Are you earning over the NI Lower Earnings Level each week?

What is your due date?

If you are employed by them then you are entitled to SMP as you were not already pregnant when you went back in September. The problem could be that you do not earn enough per week to qualify.

If you are self employed with them then you should get Maternity Allowance as long as you have been paying the correct National Insurance contributions.

Original poster
intergalacticwalrus · 09/05/2006 19:06

I earn £60 p/w, and as far as I am aware I have been paying NI. I'm not classed as SE, and my due date is 14/9/06

OP posts:
Filyjonk · 09/05/2006 19:36

ah, suspect you are not earning enough to get smp, you've been working there long enough, I'd have thought.

can't see why you wouldn't get ma though, unless i'm missing something. Its 90% of your average earnings pw (to max of £108, i think. actually don't think it makes a financial difference to you?

Original poster
intergalacticwalrus · 09/05/2006 19:48

Think I can get MA, was just a bit confused by one of my more "helpful" friends!!!!!! I can't apply yet, but I wanted to get it sorted ASAP, so that if I don't get any of it, I could rethink a little, like returning to work as soon as I could drive the car after a CS, which I have no particular desire to do.

OP posts:
serenity · 09/05/2006 19:53

I'm pretty sure you don't earn enough IGW. I had this when I was pg with DD and I was earning more than you (about £72pw) They take your earnings from a set period (I think it's something like the pay period that falls 15 weeks before your EDD) I was really really lucky that I'd had overtime and we'd had a bonus (both of which are included) otherwise I would have had to look at MA.

julienetmum · 09/05/2006 22:04

That's it then. You don't earn enough. The Lower Earnings level was £82 per week during 2005-2006 (not sure what it is from 2006-2006) You have to earn more than that to qualify.

You should get Maternity Allowance as long as you earnt over £30 per week during your "test period". You will get 90% of your earnings for 26 weeks.

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