What's the difference between Statutory Maternity Pay and Maternity allowance?

[lowrib]

I'm filling in the Working Tax Credit / Child Tax Credit form.

They want my income for last year, minus any SMP but including any Maternity allowance. I can't remember which is which, please help oh wise mnetters! (Tis the last question but one I need to do on this bloody form!)

When I went on maternity leave, I got 6 weeks at 90%, then 39 weeks (or whatever it was) at £118 or thereabouts. It was all paid by my employer. Was it SMP or Maternity Allowance?

TIA

Without a doubt SMP. MA is paid at a flat rate for 39 weeks and is not paid by the employer. SMP is paid at ninety percent for the first six weeks at a flat rate thereafter.

Brilliant eggandsoldiers, thanks!

Just one more question to go. (Need to phone the helpline for that one tomorrow though. So near but yet so far! )