Can anyone explain SMP like I'm an idiot please?

[Newbabyenroute]

I'm getting myself all turned around with maternity allowance vs SMP vs ordinary occupational pay.

I'm very lucky to have 6 months full pay from work. After that, it says "The following 13 weeks should be paid at a level commensurate with statutory
maternity pay. The final 13 weeks are not paid."

Is SMP the ~£180 a week? I'm assuming the 90% 6 week thing won't apply because I'm getting the 6 months paid first?

Amy help would be greatly appreciated!

Haven't a clue, just ring up the GOV and ask?

Yes SMP is around £180 a week.

The 90% 6 weeks won’t apply because of your 6 months full pay.

Yes it’ll be the £180 a week after your 6 months pay.

Statutory is the minimum your employer has to give you (if you qualify) for that week.

so the first six months, your employer choses to pay extra. Then it drops to the legal minimum for the rest of maternity leave.

thank you!

26 weeks full pay
13 weeks SMP at £180
13 weeks no pay.

the 90% is being topped up to 100% in your first block of pay.

A quick primer on the subject:

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/maternity-and-parental-rights/check-your-maternity-and-parental-rights/maternity-leave-and-pay/maternity-pay-what-youre-entitled-to/

Essentially your employer pays you 39 weeks statutory maternity pay. The first 6 weeks at 90%. They then top SMP up to full pay for 26 weeks, which is occupational maternity pay.

Maternity Allowance is paid by DWP if you do not qualify for SMP.