Maternity Allowance

[MissDaisy18]

Hope this is in the right place.

I've been working part-time for an employer for the past 3 1/2 years, I've never had a written contract but have done regular hours (20 per week) on the same day. It's just my employer and me.

I told my boss I was pregnant shortly after 12 weeks as I was so sick. At about 16 weeks my boss told me that she would be downsizing so there wouldn't be a job to return to. This is true - the business isn't doing well so she's going to give up her office and work from home.

I wasn't given an end date but didn't think this was particularly important as I'd work until either I wasn't needed anymore or until I physically needed to stop. I didn't think that I'd be entitled to any maternity pay at all.

However then we read about maternity allowance which it looks like I'll be eligible for - we just can't get our heads around the process. I thought it looked like I have to provide my boss with my MATB1 (which I haven't got yet - I'm 23 weeks) and then they have to give me paperwork - SMP1? - telling me that I'm not entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay which I then send off together with my SMA application form.

However, looking at the SMP1 - it doesn't seem like any of the reasons really fits with this situation - I just wondered if anyone could offer any thoughts or advice about what I need to do.

all feedback much appreciated.

MD

Have you been taxed at source (ie. when you are paid is your tax and NI deducted) or submitting tax returns? In other words, are you an employee or are you self-employed?

If you are an employee, then AFAIK your employer has to pay SMP if you fulfill the criteria (notice period, average earnings, etc). Your employer then reclaims the money from the government.

If you are self-employed and handle your own tax and national insurance then you just apply straight for MA.

If none of the reasons fit your circumstances, then you are probably eligible for SMP. It’s possible your employer doesn’t really understand how it works but she might need to find out (assuming you are actually employed, not self employed). If you are self employed, you don’t need the SMP1 as far as I know, just your MAT1b and the application form.

If you're entitled to SMP you need to claim this through your employer.

You need to ask your midwife for the MATB1 form.

Your employer can do an advanced funding claim and get the money from HMRC upfront if money is an issue.

Thank you all - we're waiting for a MATB1 now. I think the confusion is that as far as my employer is concerned, come the end of next month (or thereabouts) I'll no longer be an employee of hers so that's what we need to clarify.