Maternity leave question - do I get 26 weeks or 39 weeks off? So unclear!!

[mumfor1standmaybe2ndtime]

I am working parttime, 16 hrs, for a well known company. I am 10 weeks pg and thought I would look into maternity leave as I heard the law had changed with how long mum's can take off work, compared to when I had ds.
When I looked at my employers information it says I can have 26 weeks ordinary leave and get paid 'upto' 39 weeks. (Also says that I can have 52 weeks off, but only paid upto 39)

So the question is when do I have to go back to work? does everyone get paid upto 39 wks?

I have earned enough to get smp btw and have been in same job for nearly 8 years.

As it says, you can take up to 52 weeks off, but you'll only get paid anything until 39 weeks. Everyone entitled to SMP will get it until 39 weeks or when they go back to work, whichever is earlier.

So I guess it is upto me then!

thats right
same for part time staff

Exactly - up to a year (your choice) with SMP for 9 months, increased from 6 months.

the point about the first 26 weeks is you retain certain rights in that period that you don't between 27 and 52. e.g. pension contributions, the right to return to the same (or equivalent) job. then after 39 you don't get paid...

So basically teh Government have extended the pay to 39 weeks but giving you no more right than before. I have a personal pension at work which I pay into each month, so not worried about my non existent state one!
I will be living off dh's pension and my peanuts one!
My employer pays me full pay for 1st 6 weeks then it drops to smp.

This link www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/benefits/statutory_maternity_pay.asp#howmuch
has all the standard government information with good FAQs section. Your employer has to offer these at a minimum but may offer additional benefits especially as you have been with the company for a long time...