Anyone know about SMP and MA? starting job when pregnant...

[Newmom2b]

Hi ladies,
I'm currently working out my reduncay and interviewing for a new job. Have been TTC for a while and just thought we'd continue as what will be will be. So I got my BFP last week so if I get this new job I'll be between 8-12 weeks pg. Have always worked but unfortunately starting a new job at this time will look like I won't be entitled to SMP. So unfair. But hoping I will still get maternity allowance. Does anybody know? X

I think you get '2 parts' to your maternity pay - your maternity pay that your work gives you (if any), depending on their terms and conditions and then either SMP or MA. If you're not entitled to SMP through work then you claim MA via the job centre. Again, it's dependent on having worked at a certain pay for a certain number of weeks in the recent past but if you've always worked then there shouldn't be an issue. You don't pay tax on MA whereas you do on SMP so although the initial figures look different, overall they're about the same. To claim it you need to fill in a form (found on line) and send it off with your MatB1 certificate from your midwife, SMP1 form from your employer (which confirms they won't pay SMP) and some payslips from the recent past. Exact details about how many and how recent are given with the form. Takes about half an hour to do and half an hour to find the (dogeared, crumpled) payslips. As you won't get your MatB1 until after 20 weeks and it first has to go to your employer for their records, you have a little time to look up the form on line. There's an 0345 number given too which goes straight to the MA bit of the job centre and some surprisingly helpful people.

Yup, you will get MA. It's unlikely (though not impossible) your work would pay you any company maternity pay - if they did then that would be instead of MA. You don't have to tell them you're pregnant prior to week 25, so no rush unless there's any risks in your job. Congratulations by the way! :)

You can get MA (or SMP) and occupational pay. It doesn't have to be one or the other. You can't earn more than your monthly average though so if you have a period of full pay from your employer then you won't get anything extra on top of that. Once you employer pay drops or stops though, you will get MA (or SMP but prob not in your case) for up to 39weeks post delivery.

Good luck. I started a new job at 16 weeks pregnant and was terrified. It wasn't as bad as I expected and everyone's been very supportive. The worst was the worry before I told people about how they'd react. I can't advise on the SMP MA as my job was in the same organisation (NHS) so counted as continuous service.

I started a job 3 weeks ago and have just found out I'm pregnant. If you google maternity allowance it takes you to the government website. That has a little questionnaire that you fill in that then tells you if you'll be entitled, which I'm sure you will be. I think you have to be working for 26 weeks before your EDD or something like that

Congratulations!