a couple of questions about maternity allowance

[justalilmummy]

Hi when I leave work I plan on claiming maternity allowance as my job does not pay smp
Does anyone know if I will still get my working tax credits in that tine? Also I am not 100% sure I will be returning after this time is up as I may look for something more suitable for childcare reasons. Would I have to pay back the maternity allowance and taz credits if I chose not to return?
Has anyone here claimed maternity allowance? Is it complicated or take a long time for payments to start?

Hi there!

Personally I don't get working tax credits so couldn't say 100% on that question , but I doubt they would be affected, especially as in the pack of forms and information for maternity allowance, although it asks you to tick a box next to any other benefits you may be receiving, it doesn't mention anything about them being affected... that said someone else on here might have a better idea.

You certainly DON'T have to pay back your maternity allowance if you don't return to work, it is your right to have it regardless provided you meet the conditions for receiving it in the first place, same as SMP is.

I have just started claiming it myself due to being made redundant at 16 weeks pregnant and not being employed during the 15th week before the due date. I sent off the form, payslips and MATB1 just over two weeks ago and received a response yesterday confirming I will receive my first payment within the next 5-10 working days- so it was dealt with very quickly I thought! You tell them in the form what date you would like to start receiving the payment from and they will pay it to you for 9 months from that date.

Hope that helps a little!