Statutory maternity pay and the benefit cap?

[CinnamonSwirlLatte]

You have to earn a minimum of £722 to not be benefit capped. I currently earn around £1000 - £1200 a month, so all good.

However, on SMP I'd be getting just under £800 a month.

This is obviously still higher than the £722 though - so would I not be benefit capped whilst on maternity leave?

Thanks

No. There's also a grace period after your earnings drop and before the cap is applied:

https://www.gov.uk/benefit-cap/how-earnings-affect-when-benefit-cap-starts

Thank you!