Maternity pay help...

[xxmrsbxx]

I’ve been off work since April due to pregnancy related illness, I sent my MATB1 to work. I’ve just received a letter stating I’m entitled to OML for 26 weeks and AML for 26 weeks after that but I’m not entitled to SMP. She told me to fill in a form for maternity allowance instead but I really don’t know where to start? What is OML & AML sorry if I sound stupid but i haven’t been pregnant for 12 years and can’t remember doing any of this grateful for any advice thanks

OML is ordinary maternity leave, AML is additional maternity leave. Often it works out that you get SMP for OML but AML is unpaid.

I’m surprised you aren’t entitled to SMP though. Are you new to the company?

I’ve been working there for around 2 years but as I’ve been off sick they’ve told me I haven’t earned enough.

This is the guidance

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)
To qualify for SMP you must:

earn on average at least £120 a week
give the correct notice
give proof you’re pregnant
have worked for your employer continuously for at least 26 weeks continuing into the ‘qualifying week’ - the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth

It could be on average you haven't earned enough, or because of not working continuosly.

I'm not an expert though

I’m currently filling in maternity allowance form and just wondering can I pick any 13 weeks in my test period? Thanks

@SkyeIsPink thanks it states on my letter I’ve not earned enough in the qualifying weeks as I’ve only been getting ssp

Qualifying weeks are weeks 17-25 of pregnancy so if you just got SSP in those weeks you wouldn't qualify for SMP as SSP is only £95.85 per week.

Yes, pick the 13 weeks where you earned the highest amount

@dementedpixie thanks that makes sense now I was only getting ssp between 17-25 weeks