Maternity allowance???

[Lauralizzie]

Hi
I'm currently 14 weeks pregnant. I won't be entitled to SMP because my income is slightly lower than needed.

Maternity allowance eligibility says you need to be employed for 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before due date.
Anyway I work in a term time only nursery. And don't get paid in holiday time.
So do the holiday weeks get included in how long I've worked or not?

Thanks xx

What kind of contract do you have? Do you have continuous employment or do you sign a new contract each year? Best thing is to ask your employer if you're not sure.

Also, so you need the holidays included? You should still meet 26 weeks without them.

Yes I sign a new contract each year. Hmmm hope that doesn't mean they aren't included.
I think I need the holidays to be included , because I want to go on maternity leave at 29 weeks pregnant

You should have still been employed for 6 months over the past 15 though?

Oh and just a heads up that DWP are currently operating on an 8 week back log so I wouldn't depend on getting your MA at 29 weeks as you can't apply until you're 25 weeks. You can still go on leave and claim MA at a later date, the two dates don't have to tie up.

The eligibility is calculated based on dates calculated using your due date rather than when you actually go off though, so I don't think going at 29 weeks makes a difference. Look at the forms online, it goes through it all quite clearly. Unless you are on holiday more than half the year you should be fine.

Oh, and re what @leghairdontcare posted- the MA will be backdated to whatever date you put on the form, so if you apply at 25 weeks to start at 29 weeks, and it takes them 10 weeks (currently it's taking 8-10 weeks) you will get 6 week's worth all at once, at 35 weeks.

Yes, you've put it better than me. I just meant that if OP can't afford to stop work unless she gets the MA at 29 weeks then it won't work out. Although she'll still get the money eventually. I put start of Nov on mine but not expecting to get it until closer to december.

I put 23 September but they only received it that day so basically I'm expecting a Christmas bonus. If I'm lucky...