Mat leave - enhanced & SMP

[helpadvicewhateverneeded]

I should know this as have already had mat leave within my company but was fair few years ago and I just can't remember!!

My company provides: 14 weeks full pay, 12 weeks half pay (so 26 weeks enhanced essentially). At what stage does SMP come in? After the 26 weeks, or at the 14 week mark? Assume my pay is over the SMP amount.

This isn't about financial planning, we will be ok luckily, but I genuinely can't remember!!

Thanks in advance!

Very hopeful bump because it's in my head now and I just want to remember!!!

It's likely that your company is effectively topping up smp to give you full and half pay, and then once you get to 26 weeks you will just get smp until 39 weeks.

That's pretty much what I think, thanks!

Yeah, weeks 27-39 will be SMP only. Before that you'll be getting SMP topped up. Assuming your salary is more than twice SMP.

It totally depends on your company’s policy. Mine gives 6 months contractual maternity pay and then we get SMP - so six months contractual then 3 months SMP. But many companies enhanced pay policy involved claiming SMP at the beginning and topping it up. Once you inform them of your pregnancy they should be able to provide you with a payment schedule showing exactly what you will be paid each month.

@Fleur405 That may be how they refer to the payment they make you, but SMP is only payable from the start of your mat leave. It's a state defined benefit that cant be delayed 6 months.