Is it normal to be getting two different lots of maternity pay at once?

[Pansy0926]

I’m a bit confused. This month, in my payslip, I’m getting statutory maternity pay, and then a second amount, about half that, called maternity pay on my payslip. I have been on mat leave 4 months now and was expecting the first amount only. I still this something extra that kicks in, or a mistake? I am really not financially savvy and thought I had worked out what Mat pay I could expect, but wasn’t really 100 percent sure so I wouldn’t be surprised if I am wrong.
Is this correct or not?

Hi, does your employer pay enhanced maternity benefits? Could you cover up any personal information and post the relevant section for us to see and any information on your contract 're your entitlement?

Never mind - there has been a kind of complicated company policy change recently which would mean that I am entitled to more money. Only thing is, I don’t understand why it is shown as two separate payments rather than one. Basically due to the amount of time I had been employed I wasn’t entitled to a higher rate but while I was on leave that changed. I wasn’t expecting this change to apply to me as I am alread on leave but I guess it does...

Check your hr policy for mat leave- my work pay 'full pay' for a few months but that is SMP topped up with whatever money they need to get to to the normal wage I would receive. Your woke could be the same and this is why it's showing two amounts

@Pansy0926 You are entitled to any change is the policy that benefits you as they can't discriminate against those on maternity leave (if policy changes to reduce pay, they couldn't penalise you for that as it was in the policy when your went on leave). The reason it's shows as separate for company maternity pay and statutory maternity pay is that employers must pay the statutory and can claim back 92% of this from the government where as the company pay is at their discretion and they can't claim back anything. It's basically for their calculations when they pay their tax and ni over to HMRC.
Nice surprise for you anyway

Thanks R7589, that makes sense! And yes, I’m not religious but I desperately needed this money so it feels like someone is smiling down on us

@Pansy0926 I only know cos I work in payroll otherwise it would confuse me too!
I'm hoping for the same when I go on mat leave now but I know that won't happy! Now go treat yourself!

It was always two payments on my pay slip, smp and additional mat pay - one you are entitled to regardless and the second payment often needs repaying if you don't return to work, so I guess that's why they split it. Congratulations on the extra money!