I can't claim SMP.

[Forevertired19]

So I'm expecting ds really soon and I've just been Informed at 38 weeks I cannot claim SMP due to not earning enough during the qualifying weeks. (if someone could tell me what those weeks are, I'd be greatful)

My bills are due really soon and I'm not sure what to do now? Would the next action be maternity allowance?

The qualifying week is the 15th week before your edd & the 26? weeks in the run up to it from memory. Yes your next step will be maternity allowence. I had this problem with dc1 but I found out at about 34/35 weeks. My employer gave me the MatB1 back, I sent it off that day & received a letter within a week & the first payment about a week after she was born (she came at bang on 37). It might be worth talking to CAB to see if there are any short term solutions to help with money.

Its the 8 week period up to the 25th week of pregnancy as far as i remember