Pregnancy related illeness/sick leave/maternity leave/WTC query!

[WillowM2B]

I am 21 weeks and have recently been signed off work for 4 weeks with a pregnancy related illness which is not really going to get any better.

My job has its physically demanding and stressful moments (all appropriate risk assmts done)and I was intending to start maternity at 34 weeks. However, it looks likely that I may remain off sick.

Can I remain off sick and still put in my intention to leave at 34 weeks or will I be expected to remain sick and automatically start my mat leave at 29 weeks?

Also - does being off sick or on mat leave affect WTC? When do I need to contact the IR to tell them about change of circumstance?

Your maternity leave wouldn't start automatically because of pg-related sickness until 36 weeks anyway, so you wouldn't be forced to go on maternity leave before you were planning to.

No idea about tax credits.

Thanks flowery, thats what I thought but wasnt too sure!

Anyone know about WTC?

My understanding with WTC is that you only need tell them if your income changes and this depends on your employers policy on sick pay. If your income drops before mat leave starts then ring IR and tell them otherwise no need to ring until income drops on mat leave/baby born whichever is sooner. Whenever you ring they will probably want a new estimate of your income for the year but if you are able to tell them the revised weekly rate they'll probably be able to work it out. You'll just have to check your 2011 renewal pack to see how actual pay compared to estimate. I wish they wouldn't make it so complicated but that's the way it seems to be.
Hope you're feeling better soon

Hi WillowM2B

I was also signed off work from 21 weeks with SPD, i stayed signed off until 4 weeks before my due date then my maternity leave automatily started. I was paid in full for the duration of my sick leave and received the same package thoughout.

Hope you manage to get some answers about the WTC, sorry i have no idea

Ah, thanks themacsmum, that makes sense about WTC. I will phone the IR at some point and clarify with them properly once I know whats happening.

Thanks MummaHG - that sounds like what I may have to do. My employers are a large organisation with a good maternity package but part of me feels like I am taking the piss to be honest - or I feel like my colleagues will think I am taking the piss, more to the point...

I am usually so conscientious, never off sick, never late etc... so am shocked and appalled to be in this position and I am already going crazy with boredom but just getting my older DC's to school of a morning is a struggle.

Sorry, this has turned into a bit of a woe is me post Thanks again