if you leave a job and get pregnant are you entitled to any maternity pay from state?

[milkyman]

I am v unhappy in my job, would like to leave but hoping to get pregnant ( had a mc recently and am 39 so time running out). I'd really like to leave my job but obviously you have to be at a job for 6mths b4 u get maternity pay. Are u entitled to anything at all. My dh earns a good wage but is there anything I would be able to get if in a new job but not eligible for maternity pay?

If you're not working, no, but if you're in a new job you should get maternity allowance www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/eligibility

I'm pretty certain that if you pay national insurance you get Maternity allowance for two years afterwards even if you are not in a job. I know two people who have received it- one was made redundant and one who was freelance but had previously been employed. Job centre or citizens advice would help

I belive if you have worked 20 weeks out of the previous 66 you get mat allowance from the government? Not sure of exact numbers but something like that.

Great news - thanks all. Means I can start looking for another job!