Maternity pay

[RGxo13]

The pay calculations totally baffle me.
I get
6 weeks at 90% pay
12 weeks at 50% + SMP
Then SMP only until it runs out (think it’s about 9 months)

When I hit the ‘only SMP’ part, can I apply for Universal Credit to help top up my money? Don’t know how I’m going to survive!

Tried google but it’s unclear.

In theory yes you can claim while on mat pay, but whether you're eligible is dependent on your circumstances (single, couple, savings, mortgage etc).

People survive it a few ways:-
× saving for the gap between salary and smp ahead of Mat leave
× having a dp/dh who can shoulder the loss in income
× actively seeking out employers who pay over and above the smp minimum
× scrimping through mat leave
× dp/dh taking some shared leave if they have better pay
× returning to work well before the end of the year
× topping up via benefits if entitled

You can depending on what your partner/husband earns and household money. I didn't qualify for it my husand earns £31k a year if that's helps

Hi, luckily I get full pay for 26 weeks then up to week 90% of my wage or SMP (whichever is lower) 27 - 39 weeks. I’ve chosen to have the year plus 4 weeks holiday added on at the end. I tried looking for options and there isn’t many if your partner works and earns above a certain amount, the only benefit I’m entitled to is Child benefit. So I’ve had to work out to be comfortable and not feel skint I’d have to save up £400 a month for atleast the months I get my full pay, if for some reason I struggle I’ve had to have a conversation about money and partner helping me. We very much keep our money separate but things change just like they probably will do when I’ve to drop hours at work I will need more financial support from partner.

To answer your question, try and save as much as you can it seems there’s not much other option if you have a partner that works

I had the same question and did an online chat with CAB - gave all our details and I was so surprised by how much we will be entitled to! And also then for childcare costs when I return to work. Never claimed anything before - we rent and my husband earns 30k for ref.

It depends, what is your situation with partner and household income? Have you got savings?

@RGxo13 Are the 12 weeks at 50% + SMP a statutory thing or is that offered by your employer?

It must be a company policy for that poster as stat SMP is 6 weeks at 90% and then SMP after that.

Thanks @caerdydd12 ! I'm still trying to come clear with maternity pay and also starting to panic a bit 😳

Feel free to start a thread if you need help with any calculations or anything. MN are great for that kind of thing!