Maternity Allowance...help needed :(

[Firsttime27]

Hi ladies

First time posting and really need some help.

I applied for maternity allowance as I have been doing my child nursing training ( just finished). During my test period I worked with 4 different agencies in between my studies. I fulfilled the employed for 26 weeks guidelines and sent in 13 payslips.....

6 weeks later I was told they needed proof from agencies that I worked enough as the 26 weeks actually had to have been WORKED. This was unclear on the claim form :( my first question is has anyone had the same situation and are they correct in telling me this??

In order to speed the process along I was told I could send in bank statements. £10 later I sent these in with my 26 weeks of payments highlighted...only to be told this still isn't enough proof!!! To make matters worse one of my agencies has told them I worked 4 weeks when I in fact worked 8 (have time sheets to prove this).

What do I do now?? Anyone had a similar experience? I was sure I fulfilled the criteria and was relying on it. To be told I will get nothing. I have been in tears all day :( I have worked so hard the past few years and am feeling defeated. This is my first baby due on October 24th. Hate that money worries are now ruining my last 6 weeks.

Any help or advice much appreciated.
Thank you in advance!

NAT xxxxxxx

Unfortunately, they are correct. You have to be in 26 weeks continuous employment in most places to qualify for statutory maternity leave. Because you have been working with different agencies within the 26 weeks, it means you won't be eligible to claim through your current employer. Please don't worry too much as you can apply for something called maternity allowance and there's a high chance that you will get equal or close to the statutory amount for up to 39 weeks anyway (which is £140 per week - not ideal something). Please try and calm down as you don't want to stress yourself out too much a this delicate time. More info around Maternity allowance can be found here www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/maternity-allowance

You can also call citizens advice for further advice and comfort. There are also various charities like 'Life' who give advice and help struggling mothers who perhaps don't have a partner/family members to help out.

You will be ok xxxx

deegee90, the op is trying to apply for Maternity Allowance!

You need to have been employed (not necessarily for the same employer), or been self-employed, for any 26 weeks out of the 66 weeks ending immediately before the expected week of childbirth. The 26 weeks do not have to be in a row, and employment for part of a week counts as one whole week. Your average gross weekly earnings must have been equal to or above the maternity allowance threshold of £30 per week. Assuming you meet all those conditions you are eligible.

You need to provide evidence of your earnings but a formal payslip is not necessary and written note from your employer confirming wages paid should be enough. I wonder if the fact one of the agencies has told them the wrong info has confused them. Have you tried sending them copies of the time sheets?

You have one month to challenge a benefits decision via mandatory reconsideration, and then a right to appeal. Go and see Citizens Advice and they should be able to help get this sorted out.

Good luck x