Maternity Allowance

[Indigogirl88]

Hi all

Just wondered if anyone has been in a similar position to me...

I apparently need to claim maternity allowance as I haven't been in this job since 4th January I have however been in full time work non stop for 15 years. So basically I haven't been in this full time job for 26 weeks to be able to get smp. I thought that just meant I had to claim it via maternity allowance?

Having used the calculator it doesn't say I'm entitled to it?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

You need to fill in the application form (get this from the government website) and send in along with your MATB1 form from your midwife.

You’ll probably automatically get a letter saying you’re only eligible for £27/week but HMRC should write to you about topping up your Class 2 NI contributions in order to get the full SMA (if you would have otherwise been eligible). Best to send it in sooner rather than later as HMRC are obviously super busy right now.

From what I've seen the chart tells you your 66 weeks and you can pick which 13 weeks you give earnings evidence for, they don't stipulate which 13 weeks you use?

Please can someone confirm? x

Yes you can choose any 13 weeks. Choose the ones with your highest earnings

It's all so confusing eh but I'm glad weve had a good conversation about it, yes I will have earnt £30 for at least 13 weeks prior to my due date

@dementedpixie Perfect, that's how I read it! Thanks for confirming.

It's such a minefield isn't it? Does anyone know if you can get advice from them/run your situation past anyone for confirmation that you'd qualify ahead of time? I'm thinking that I'd rather know now whilst I've got time to make changes so that I get the full amount!