Maternity Allowance help

[vivieneek]

Hi guys, it’s my first time posting here as I’ve just really been a lurker for the past year, but I didn’t know anyone else to ask!

I’m currently 35 weeks pregnant and I have just started maternity leave. I sent off my application for maternity allowance a couple of weeks ago - pretty late I know, but I was under the impression I would be paid by my employer until recently. I have just received a text today that the application will take up to 8 weeks to process. I’m a little panicked, I know payments can be backdated but I’m now not receiving any income at all with bills still to pay. My other half will help as much as he can, but his income isn’t very high and won’t be able to cover the total costs, especially with paternity leave coming up. I have saved best I can whilst working, but I will struggle to pay two months worth of bills when there’s still a few last minute expenses to take care of before baby arrives.

I suppose I’m just asking whether anyone has been in a similar situation, and advice on how to manage? I’ve become very worried today, when I just want to enjoy my last few weeks of pregnancy :(

What made you not qualify for SMP?

I was off sick during the test period for SMP, so my average weekly earnings were calculated as not being high enough 😬

Have you also applied for UC? I wasn't going to, ended up going to an interview thinking it was for MA..it wasn't but lady there said I will probably get both...don't know how much yet but worth going just to see

I don’t think I’m entitled to anything but definitely worth finding out for sure, thank you!

I applied for MA earlier this year, fairly straight forward and I don’t think it took 8 weeks to process. They did backdate when I didn’t ask them to which means if I don’t return to work early I’ll have 8 weeks with no income, but such is life. I also get mine paid fortnightly which has been a help.

Fingers crossed it doesn’t take that long to process, because I really don’t know how I’m going to pay any household bills without income I’d ring up but I really don’t see it worth it, as I doubt I’ll be prioritised when there’s probably thousands of women in a similar position. Just really really scared

I hate to say it but they are currently really slow, so you are unlikely to get it sooner.
Are you sure you are not entitled to anything? Have you done the calculators? If you are not on tax credits, apply for UC and see- or at least get a benefits check at citizens advice.
(PS- you partner is not "helping you" with your bills (assuming it's not the hire purchase fee for you personal yacht!). You are a household now. You are both paying the bills with your household income)