Maternity allowence

[IVEgottheDECAF]

I think i may not have earnt enough to meet the lower earnings limit for SMP so would need to claim maternity allowence

Can anyone confirm what i would get weekly as i am finding online information confusing. The lower earning limit is £118 pw and due to several weeks on sick i think i am going to have earnt around £115 a week.

I cant work out if i only get 90% of that or if i would get the full £148 per week

Maternity allowance is £148.68 a week or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is less) for 39 weeks

Looking at the form it seems if i apply for maternity allowance i get to choose the weeks that make up my average earnings from the last 66 weeks? Does anyone know if that is right?

During the SMP qualifying period i was on sick so earnings were low. If i am right and can choose weeks from a 66 week period i will be able to get the full amount i think

Yes you would coose the 13 weeks where you had the highest pay:

Your earnings are averaged over any 13 weeks in your test period. The 13 weeks do not have to be in a row and you may choose the weeks with the most earnings to help you get moreMA. Earnings from all your jobs (if you have more than 1) and earnings you are treated as having from self-employment will be used to work out your average weekly earnings. If your average is at least equal to £30 a week you will getMA.

www.gov.uk/government/publications/maternity-benefits-technical-guidance/maternity-benefits-technical-guidance#maternity-allowance-ma

Thats great thanks thats what i thought it meant!