Hiya,
i’m due on 20/3/23 and I started my newest job contract in my NHS Trust (worked for since 2020 continually so qualify for enhanced nhs mat pay) in September 2022.
I was already pregnant when I started my new job contract in Sept 2022, so NHS HR said I would get the Enhanced NHS maternity pay but not the SMP - and to apply for MA myself. I had a 2 week break in nhs contracts (with some bank shifts in between which don’t count!) in august, it cancels me being eligible for the SMP part! But I can still get the OMP due to nhs service..!
ive since applied for the Maternity allowance to cover the SMP period and will hear within 4 weeks… then HMRC SMP dispute line have called me today exploring whether I should be actually be paid SMP by nhs too, however they have since looked into it properly and the 2 week break in contracts with the NHS same trust cancelled the SMP and because I was already preg in September.
SMP dispute line said they will tell the MA DWP office to proceed with my application to MA as I definitely don’t meet SMP criteria.
im feeling anxious and worried that I won’t get MA when I really need it to top me up! It was good the dispute definitely clarified this all. The dispute team was helpful and said they will tell MA office to proceed with my application.
anyone else been in this situation before xxx