Maternity Pay - how is it worked out?

[saywhatwhatnow]

Having just had my payslip through which will include my first month of maternity pay I'm slightly confused and pretty sure they've worked it out incorrectly.

I am salaried and started my maternity leave on the 6th jan. I'm presuming because it was a 5 week month, and maternity pay is worked out and paid weekly, that I will receive 90% of my pay for the 4 weeks falling in January. Plus the normal weeks pay. And the remaining 2 weeks at 90% will then fall and be paid in February.

Do they work out the 'weeks pay' by multiplying the salary by 12 (months) and dividing by 52 (weeks a year).

Any help would be appreciated as although I've spoken with my employer they have yet to speak with the accountant. I really want the pay amended ASAP if incorrect as I can't afford for it to drag into Feb

It's the average weekly pay you received for weeks 17-25 of pregnancy (think I've got the right weeks) I'm sure there are online calculators. The payroll software will have calculated it, using your pay history, unless you've got a handwritten pay slip I would be surprised if there was any human element in it.

Whether you have 4 weeks or not may depend on payroll cut off as well.

Do you think you have been underpaid, OP? As the PP suggested, try one of the online calculators. Have you got a letter from your employer setting out any of the details?

Exactly the same has happened to me, when I queried it I have only been paid in “full weeks” so I’ve only been paid until 26th Jan and the rest will go into my Feb pay. It is extremely annoying!

Ahh ok that's really helpful thanks, will hopefully get the remaining three weeks in Feb then!