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SMP

4 replies

SpadesOfGlory · 10/09/2018 11:50

Hi everyone,

I'm currently nearly 11 weeks pregnant and thinking ahead to how we should be planning our finances on mat leave. I think the qualifying period for calculating SMP is usually weeks 17-25...is that right? My company pays full pay for 12 weeks based on an average of those weeks. The thing is, we get quarterly bonuses paid the month after quarter end, so my next bonus will be due at the end of October. Is this included when HR work out my average pay?! As it was only paid during this time, not technically 'earnt'. Maybe it's baby brain, but I just can't work it out Grin

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BabySquid · 10/09/2018 14:54

@SpadesOfGlory hi I work in payroll so thought I'd answer your question.
Based on your due date, SMP is calculated based on an average earnings of everything included in the gross pay from 15 weeks prior to due date.

So say your due date is Xmas day and you're paid monthly on the 25th, for example... your mat pay would be calculated based on August and July pay (because 15weeks prior is 12 sept).

Does this help??

SpottingTheZebras · 10/09/2018 14:57

Usually most employers pay full pay as an enhanced pay package and you get that instead of SMP. Therefore, the bonus shouldn’t really come into it as that is calculating the 90% of your normal pay that you get if you only receive SMP.

mrs2468 · 10/09/2018 15:03

So you take your due date go back 15 weeks then the first full two months prior is what is used as the average. So unless your bonus falls in to those weeks no it won't be included in smp. The government have a website that actually lets you type in the amounts and works it out for you. Obviously just now it's in advance but might give you a rough indication.

Original poster
SpadesOfGlory · 10/09/2018 18:06

@BabySquid that's helpful, thanks! My due date is 3rd April and 15 weeks back from that is 19th December, so does that mean my mat pay is based on my earnings in October and November?

I'll have to go back and read the maternity leave policy again. It might be I just get my basic pay for those 3 months, kinda doubting myself now! Still, that's quote a bit better than SMP so I'm still very thankful.

Thanks Mrs I'll see of I can find that calculator and play around with the sums.

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