SMA / Maternity Allowance

[Louise001]

Hi All :)

I won't qualify for SMP but I believe I should qualify for SMA - I have seen the form online and it asks about spouse self employment / NI number - he is self employed - will this effect what I receive in SMA for 2018? I wouldn't want his earnings to directly impact what I can get due to my NI contributions! I am not currently working but am desperately looking for a job now. I also wouldn't be happy providing his NI number in a sense that I feel it has nothing to do with the government - it is me and my right to receive MA surely?

You won’t be assessed without your partners NI number. If you do the online calculator it should tell you what impact, if any, his salary will have. FWIW DH is a higher rate earner and I am entitled to the full allowance (about 500pcm)

@ Lifeofpies

Thanks very much for info, will have a look.

You should fill out the form as requested. I don't know why they ask for all those details, but if you qualify for MA, you qualify on your own behalf. It has nothing to do with your dh. I suspect they just want to be able to have a look at household income and benefits as you are supposed to report any benefits you are on (and if benefits come to the household via your dh, then they will want to know about that). Also, it has to do with the chance of working for your dh as the partner of a self-employed person. If you have worked for your partner as part of his business, that can affect what you are entitled to, so they want to see the whole package to assess your claim.

You're entitled to what you're entitled to though. If you are self-employed yourself, but have worked enough weeks during the qualifying period to qualify for MA, then that's what you'll get. Your dh's self employment should have no baring on it (though obviously if your employment was with him, then he comes into the mix). But give them everything they've asked for so they can asses your eligibility.

I am on MA and have been twice now (first as self employed and second time because I didn't qualify via my employment for SMP, unfortunately my contract ended before my qualifying week and they couldn't afford to keep me on longer). My dh is self employed, but it's not made any difference to my MA as I qualify separately from him. But they will want to know the whole package of what your household looks like and make sure everything is above board, so I would give them what they ask for if you want to make sure you qualify.

@mindutopia

Thanks for your feedback, much appreciated!

You only need to complete your Husbands self employed details if you are claiming as a participating spouse-so you've been helping your Husbands self employed business. If you are claiming MA as an employed or self employed person in your own right you dont need to note his details. MA as such is not an income based benefit. If you have worked long enough and earned enough you will be entitled.

@USBetty great - thx for info! I have never worked for my husband (he is SE) I have been working for other companies but never worked for him. I’m not on the books or the payroll. Hence why I assumed it was solely my details they required. Thanks for info on participating spouse i’ll look into it. :)