Maternity Allowance if quit job

[Matilda30]

This is kind of hypothetical, as I'm hoping I don't have to do this (but had an awful time at work since being pregnant that I don't really want to go into) but if I were to resign before week 26 (as I understand you can get smp from then if you resign) does anyone know if I would be entitled to maternity allowance?

Thanks

Have a read of this website if you haven't already:

www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/eligibility

It seems to imply that you would have to be employed. When I did the paperwork for my MA claim there was another form my employer had to fill in to explain why I wasn't getting SMP.
Not an expert though so hope someone else knows more!

Thanks Penguin, I've been a bit confused by what I've read, so I might have to call to get a definite answer. Although hoping I can stick with it until ML.

Definitely call but I'm fairly sure as long as you have worked a certain number of weeks at a certain rate (something like over £120 a week maybe?) 66 weeks before the baby is born then you are entitled to maternity allowance. So you should receive it I would think-I have looked into it in the past :)

To claim MA, you don't have to currently have a job, but you do need to have been employed or self-employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before the week your baby is due.

You won't be able to claim SMP if you are no longer employed (by your current employer).

I left my employer in July 2014 - although I am technically employed by my own company now, I did not start working for them (me!) early enough (I was already pregnant), so I am not eligible for SMP. I am claiming MA, based on payslips from my previous job in the 66 weeks before my due date.

Hope that helps?

Hi ladies! I'm also in Matildas position however I have already left my job (due to wanting to further my education).
I am still awaiting a dating scan (no idea on my dates) however I was probably 4 weeks pregnant on my last day of employment.
As I was working full time for the previous 26 weeks prior to my last day does that mean I can claim maternity allowance? ?
Thank you! :)

Yup that's right. Have a look at the MA1 form - the guidance notes in that gives you the various dates that you need to have been working based on your expected due date.