Maternity Allowance

[kidsareok]

Hi everyone! Just a few questions . I am currently pregnant and due December 2020. I am a primary school teacher working on a contract that expires on 31st August 2020. I KNOW when I tell my employer I'm pregnant they won't renew my contract - they're not v supportive and have no reason to renew if my contract comes to an end (although technically a Teacher will still be needed in that class but they'll claim they have it covered!) .

This means that I will be unemployed (or supply teaching) as of 1st September 2020 and won't be entitled to any SMP even though I have continuous service as a teacher for 11 years (I recently took up this temporary post after moving house to a different location). Really annoying and badly timed! I could apply for a new job starting September but I'd only be there for 2 months which isn't fair on a new school or class.

Anyway, I'm wondering what my options are? I know I can claim Maternity Allowance as have been employed for 13 weeks out of the 66 weeks before my baby is due. I was just wondering if there's a way I could start claiming SMP before I actually leave my job in August? Any advice appreciated! Thank you

Hey you won't be able to claim SMP, only maternity allowance. It's the same amount any way so wouldn't worry!

How many weeks will you be when your current contract ends? I ask as uoure not obliged to tell your employer you're pregnant until 15 weeks before you are due so may be worth waiting to see if they renew your contract rather than letting them know immediately?

Thank you! I've just calculated and 15 weeks before my due date is 29th August which would tie in well with not telling them! I just need to get through this coronavirus school crisis thing without telling them and that stresses me a bit! I think we will be working over the summer holidays too so not sure I can hide it that long x