Fallen pregnant whilst travelling - maternity pay?

[Wanderlust12]

Hi All,

I have just fallen pregnant whilst on a 7 month trip travelling abroad. I don't know what to do as I was planning on returning, getting a new job and doing the baby thing further down the line so I could get maternity pay etc. I finished work in the UK in September 2019.

Does anyone know if the government offer any support etc? I guess I could get a temporary job during pregnancy as I don't think anyone will hire me in the career role I'm in if pregnant. Just wanted some clarity on finances etc - I have never signed up to/used any government credits before so not sure how they work.

Thanks! (FYI from the UK)

Have you maintained a UK address while you’ve been travelling? As that might complicate matters a bit. Also whether you have a partner and whether they are earning at the moment.

You may be entitled to Maternity Allowance once the baby is here depending on when you stopped working and how far along you are, have a look here:

www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/eligibility

As for other benefits, have a look at some benefits calculators:

www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators

Contrary to popular belief, you can’t just claim benefits at the drop of a hat, so definitely look into trying to get work while you can - I imagine you’re stuck abroad now though until the current COVID situation is over? Does your travel visa for the country you’re currently in allow you to pick up any work there if it’s available to get you a bit more money coming in?

how far along are you?

Only 6 weeks I think, super early but just trying to make a plan.

Husband works etc, planning on coming back soon but I don't want to be sat around doing nothing for the next 7 months, I enjoy working and earning :)

You should qualify for stat maternity allowance but you will need to work a minimum number of weeks before going on mat leave. So you need to come home and start working ASAP.

If you come back to the UK and have been in a job for 6 months before you have the baby, you'll get maternity allowance which is a set amount each week, almost the same amount as SSP and you get it for 39 weeks. So you have time

@wineymummy she won’t be eligible for statutory maternity pay. You have to be working for 2 weeks before you conceive to qualify.
You might be eligible for maternity allowance. Also if you get a job which has it’s own maternity package you may be eligible for that. My employers pay full pay for 4 months regardless of how long you have worked there.

@Jupiter15 I didn't say maternity pay, I said maternity allowance.

@wineymummy apologies, I misread.