benefits whilst on maternity

[harrogatemum]

Hi - does anyone know if you are still entitled to any benefits whilst on maternity? I receive an amount of money in my salary which is classed as a car allowance - would i still be entitled to this when i am on maternity leave? As obviously I still have to pay for my car and if I had a company car I would not have to hand it in!

In addition if I suddenly decide not to go back after my maternity leave can they try and claim anything back from me?

I believe you are entitled to all your benefits during normal maternity leave (i.e. up to 6 months) but not extended maternity leave. I received my car allowance up to 6 months and then it stopped until I returned to work at 9 months. Holiday accrues throughout the whole period. The company can not claim anything you're legally entitled to back from you if you don't return. It may, however, have an occupational maternity scheme which pays over & above the statutory entitlement and may conceivably have it in the contract to reclaim the money if you don't return.

I think the payment of benefits us up to your employer - the law only covers salary I think. My employer pays benefits (including car allowance, health cover and dental cover) for 12 months i.e. ordinary and additional maternity leave. - best check with HR

You are entitled to keep your benefits in kind or the cash equivalent while you are on normal ML, not sure about extended but think it may still apply. If you have a £ car allowance and this is paid in your salary it is also taken into account in calculating the SMP payments for the weeks as are any bonuses paid during the qualifying weeks on which the calculation is based.

check out the maternity alliance website. That should tell you all you need to know.

thanks to everyone - that has set my mind at rest.