Oh God what'll I do without MAT pay?

[idontknowanymorere]

I started my job pregnant (they knew about this) but I won't have worked here for 26 weeks before my due date. I thought the 26 weeks (for maternity allowance) applied to any jobs across the time period it asks but apparently it means this specific job. I've checked (a few times) and I won't get maternity allowance or maternity pay. I'm only going on leave for 12 weeks but oh God, what'll I do for money in those 12 weeks? I do get UC but it won't be enough to cover bills if I only get that and CB what do/can I do?

Maternity Allowance does cover multiple employment periods within a timeframe.

On the gov assessor it says in your current job for all of the questions- is there anyone I could ring to explain it to properly after Easter?

You can qualify for Maternity Allowance, OP. Here:

www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-guides/Maternity-Allowance/Who-can-get-Maternity-Allowance

“You must have been employed or self-employed for at least 26 weeks of the test period (66 weeks up to and including the week before your baby is due). It does not matter if these weeks are split up, or if they are not all for the same employer.”

@Dyrne thank you so much, the gov assessor kept saying in your current job. Do you know how I'd go about applying for it and do I wait until I go on leave tonapply or before?

You need the MA1 form: www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/how-to-claim

That form asks for details of previous employers. Looks like there’s a certain form (SMP1) you will need to ask for from both your current and previous employers - I imagine HR will know about it. You’ll also need payslips and your MAT1B form.

It looks like it’s administered by Jobcentre Plus, with a phone number on the website if you need to call to clarify anything :)

That may be a problem, the other place I worked for closed down last year so I don't know how I'd get that specific form from them 😬

Ah. Definitely call the helpline then, they should be able to let you know what they need instead!

Thanks so much@Dyrne !

You need the SMP1 form from your current employer - it gives the reason that they can’t pay you SMP. Pretty sure DWP can access your tax records to show your earnings during the 66 weeks.

Do the MA1 form. I was in a very similar situation and found out that I was entitled to Maternity Allowance, but it seemed from all the websites that I wouldn't be!

And presumably you’ll have support from baby’s dad?

@MoreSlidingDoors I'm married, DH is on PIP

When should I send it off? I'll ask for the form next week but do I send it away before I go on leave?

You can send the MA1 form anytime in your pregnancy. You'll need payslips for any relevant dates, SMP1 from your current employer and MATB1 from your midwife or antenatal care provider.

Presumably your UC will go up significantly because you will have no deductions for wages.

I used to process MA claims back in the day well before RTI was a thing. We used to send off for a printout from HMRC and use that to determine if someone qualified. If we could do it then I’m sure it can be done now and much more easily!

Only thing with maternity allowance and universal credit is that it is deducted pound for pound from your award so will actually be financially no better off than if you just claimed full universal credit for those months