Maternity allowance

[user1485778793]

Does anyone know what the requirements are for higher level ma?

I'm on mat leave due back in June and I'm pregnant due in July. If I don't go back to work I won't qualify for occupational maternity pay

For maternity allowance, you have to have been working for 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before the week your baby is due and earning at least £30 a week in 13 of those weeks for which you have to submit payslips.

I think maternity leave counts as being 'employed' but it depends on your earnings during the weeks when you were working and collecting a salary. I've been on MA twice now (once as self-employed and now because my contract ended before my qualifying week for SMP), but never directly after what I assume must be a previous period of SMP? This may be helpful:

www.maternityaction.org.uk/advice-2/mums-dads-scenarios/pregnancy-during-maternity-leave/