Maternity Pay Query

[RMez1993]

I need some advice on eligibilty for maternity pay as I've read advice online and I'm finding it a little overwhelming and confusing.

I worked at an LA maintained school for 4 years. Then moved to an academy school for 2 years. Now I am back in an LA maintained school (same LA as first school). I started this contract on 01.09.2023.

I am due to have a baby 26.11.2024 but I am so confused as to whether I am eligible for SMP or OMP due to continuous service.

Can anyone please help?

Honestly Ul need to check your work policy to see if you’ve been there long enough for enhanced pay as diff employers have diff time frames

if you haven’t been there long enough and it’s usually from start date to week 25 of your pregnancy , then you can get SMP from government

In terms of statutory maternity pay I believe the following is correct:

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

• earn on average at least £123 a week
• give the correct notice and 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

If you usually earn an average of £123 or more a week, and you only earned less in some weeks because you were paid but not working (‘on furlough’) under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, you may still be eligible. You cannot get SMP if you go into police custody during your maternity pay period. It will not restart when you’re discharged.

So you can claim SMP. In terms of anything more that is work place dependent.