Maternity allowance

[Yellowflower123]

Hello all!

I've searched and searched but can't seem to find the answer. I'm hoping one of you's could help or share your experience please.

I have been a teacher for nearly 10 years. I have really got to that point where I just want to leave teaching now. My mat leave would start in Januaru 2023. I don't want to take Maternity pay as I really don't want to come back to work after (if you take this, then have to come back to work for 12 weeks, or pay some of the money back).

So I looked into what other women out there would get and the government offers "maternity allowance". From what I understand, the criteria is that you must earn at least £30 a week to be eligible for this (tick) but your employer needs to give a reason for you not getting maternity pay, I.e. if you've not worked long enough etc.

Anyway, here's the dilemma, if I refuse my employers "maternity pay", can I still receive "maternity allowance"? I just want to not have to go back to work afterwards!

Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

You should just be able to request that you don't have the enhanced pay, you are still entitled to the standard maternity pay of 6 weeks at 90% and however many weeks it is at the statutory maternity pay of £650ish a month. You don't have to pay that back, it is from the government not out of your employer's pocket.

Just to add @OP ... I'm not exactly sure how it works but have a think about timings. I understand you don't want to go back, but would it work by going off on mat leave, handing your notice in at the start of summer holidays so by the time the end of the summer holidays you'll have already been "back" for 6 weeks and then there is only 6 weeks left to work? That way you wouldn't need to pay it back. Not entirely sure on this, just a thought.

Just tell your employer you only want to receive the SMP part of your mat pay, you don't have to pay that part back.

You can't turn down statutory maternity pay and no, you can't claim SMA instead.

Just tell your employer you don't plan to return and ask them not to pay the enhancement.

You just take the SMP not maternity allowance and set the extra aside to pay back.

You don't need to pay any back if you just take the SMP.

Sorry yes, I meant the enhanced maternity pay she would receive as a teacher.

I'm interested in doing this too. I'm a healthcare professional and considering leaving my job when my baby is born in Jan 2023 and becoming self-employed as a Locum.

The company I work for only offer the 90% for six weeks then SMP so if I finish will I need to pay any of it back?

No.

@SophieWantsABaby no you won't. Am exactly the same - HCP for private company so only SMP & no NHS enhanced pay. Have double checked but you don't have to pay anything back. Just bear in mind - depending on when your A/L restsrts each year, you could either "return" but just use up any A/L you have so you are back on full wage, or they will have to pay it out for you.

Thank you all for your replies, honestly has helped put my mind at ease! :)