Confused about maternity pay

[blibbyblobb]

Hi

I wasn't sure which topic to put this thread under, apologies if its in the wrong one.

I am confused in when and which maternity payment options to apply for.

I have worked constantly for 10+ years. I started a new job 5 months ago and a month after found out i was pregnant.

If i go according to my given due date i miss out on SMP by 3 days. If baby arrives 3 days or later i get SMP. If baby arrives before due date or two days after i am eligible for maternity allowance.

My first and last pregnancy was 11 days over, and i know we can't predict if this one will be before or after or even on the due date.

My question is do i still need to apply for MA before babys due? What if it comes later then i could get SMP? im unsure on what i need to do now to be prepared financially for when baby comes.. Anyone out there who could help please?

I think it’s all based on your expected due date, rather than your actual. So you’ll only be entitled to Maternity Allowance.

Yes it's irrelevant when your baby arrives, it's the date on your Mat1B form that matters. So you'll just get MA.

It’s based on the expected week of childbirth as opposed to the exact date. Which may still mean you are only entitled to MA but thought I’d flag it just in case.

The exact date doesn't matter. Your employer would need to give you the SMP1 form to say you don't qualify for SMP and then you can apply for maternity allowance.

The exact date doesn't matter.
Your employer would need to give you the SMP1 form to say you don't qualify for SMP and then you can apply for maternity allowance.

Sorry for 2 posts. Said it hadn't posted 1st time

Ahh i see thank you for all much appreciated 💕

that's a real shame you just missed out on it by 3 days 😫. I am in the same boat with that and it's frustrating losing out on even just a bit more cash to help out. it's shocking how little the pay is..

@chardaboo yup it is a shame, especially as due dates are not accurate and i was supposed to start this job the week before but HR messed up... I guess life can be unfair but never the least im still counting my lucky stars to be having this suprise baby and some savings to get me by.. Hope u r able to work something out 💕

@blibbyblobb yeah that's true ! I know I'm looking forward to being off with the little one when she's here. I will have to use savings as well, lucky to have a bit put by.