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Original poster

Mat pay advice needed please?

52 replies

Twistedunicorn · 22/12/2025 21:04

I've been sat all day waiting on wages which turns out I'm not even entitled too..

I hadn't realised maternity pay is only for 39 weeks and the remainder is unpaid, since having our baby times have been tough and days/weeks have rolled into one (baby brain doesnt help)

I'm now up shit creek without a paddle 3 days before Christmas and absolutely no idea what to do. Should my work have contacted me and made me aware time was nearly up or should I have contacted them?
We have literally no food and sitting with zero in the bank.

OP posts:
GeishaTrumpet · 22/12/2025 21:05

Are you entitled to SMP? Ideally you would have contacted your employer when you wished to return to work, at least that’s what I did. Are you intending on going back to work?

Barrenfieldoffucks · 22/12/2025 21:06

I can't imagine they would think they have to tell you, no. When are you expected back at work? Does your partner work ?

Original poster
Twistedunicorn · 22/12/2025 21:06

GeishaTrumpet · 22/12/2025 21:05

Are you entitled to SMP? Ideally you would have contacted your employer when you wished to return to work, at least that’s what I did. Are you intending on going back to work?

Edited

Yeah, I've had SMP but wasn't aware it was only for 39 weeks and not aware that had already passed so you can imagine my shock today when no money has went in the bank.

OP posts:
MarmaladeSandwichUnderMyHat · 22/12/2025 21:07

Oh that’s really frustrating! Can you use a benefits entitlement checker to see if you qualify for any support?
www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators

Original poster
Twistedunicorn · 22/12/2025 21:07

My return to work date isn't until 2026, I fully intend to go back but no where near ready for it and no due to ill health partner doesn't work.

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 22/12/2025 21:09

Did they not write to you to tell you your weekly or monthly amount and how long it would last for. If you are 3 months away from returning to work then you should have been aware it would be stopping. SMP is always just for 39 weeks with the rest unpaid. Could you do some KIT days so you get some pay?

Figgygal · 22/12/2025 21:10

Sorry op but why haven't you taken some responsibility for knowing what you're entitled to.
When are you due back to work? They're are notice requirements of you want to go back earlier but your employer may be willing to be flexible

dementedpixie · 22/12/2025 21:10

Do you qualify for universal credit?

Original poster
Twistedunicorn · 22/12/2025 21:11

dementedpixie · 22/12/2025 21:09

Did they not write to you to tell you your weekly or monthly amount and how long it would last for. If you are 3 months away from returning to work then you should have been aware it would be stopping. SMP is always just for 39 weeks with the rest unpaid. Could you do some KIT days so you get some pay?

No everything was done verbally,discussing dates etc and when my official mat leave day would be after holidays stopped. Nothing was advised when mat pay would stop and I certainly had no idea it would be 3 days before Christmas.

OP posts:
Original poster
Twistedunicorn · 22/12/2025 21:15

Figgygal · 22/12/2025 21:10

Sorry op but why haven't you taken some responsibility for knowing what you're entitled to.
When are you due back to work? They're are notice requirements of you want to go back earlier but your employer may be willing to be flexible

Aw trust me I do take full responsibility, beating myself up and feeling sick to my stomach seems to be getting me absolutely no where.

OP posts:
LIZS · 22/12/2025 21:15

You should have had a letter when you went on ml outlining dates and payments but it is up to you to keep track. Could your partner look after the baby while you return earlier? You are also entitled to paid accrued leave which you can request to cover some of the remaining weeks before your return to work. You need to give six weeks’ notice of your return date, when are you expecting to go back?

dementedpixie · 22/12/2025 21:18

Its 8 weeks notice to return early from mat leave
You can do up to 10 KIT days

Original poster
Twistedunicorn · 22/12/2025 21:20

I claim UC as I only worked 20 hours a week, due to DS having a disability and partners health not being great this suited around school run and daily life. We had never planned another child as life was busy enough but I fell pregnant whilst on the implant and before we knew it life as a 4 had started and now we wouldn't change it.

The only thing i had was the form I handed into UC and everything like dates were discussed verbally.

OP posts:
Parker231 · 22/12/2025 21:24

Can you return to work asap or get some KIT days.?

dementedpixie · 22/12/2025 21:24

Does that mean your UC might increase? Do you need to tell them your SMP has stopped?

Original poster
Twistedunicorn · 22/12/2025 21:27

Sorry I have absolutely no idea what kit days means?

@dementedpixie again I have no idea how it works, my next uc payment isn't due until the 6th of January.

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 22/12/2025 21:30

Keeping in touch day. Its arranged between you and your employer and you can work up to 10 days during maternity leave.

Googling suggests you need to update your universal credit account to say your SMP has stopped

Original poster
Twistedunicorn · 22/12/2025 21:31

I think one of the managers are going to give me call tomorrow, will ask about KIT days thanks for mentioning these as I'd never heard about it.

I'll give UC a call as well, could I not do a change of circumstances and ask for an advance?

OP posts:
Original poster
Twistedunicorn · 22/12/2025 21:36

From when I started mat leave my 39th week was the 1st of December. Almost 3 weeks I've been sat none the wiser, really wish I'd checked sooner then I'd have known what to expect.

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 22/12/2025 21:38

It can't hurt to contact UC to update them and ask for an advance but im not sure how it all works

Original poster
Twistedunicorn · 22/12/2025 21:43

Ah I could honestly kick myself for being so stupid!

I appreciate it could be a lot worse and there are others way worse off then us, but this means none of my bills will be paid, my account is going to go massively overdrawn and we're left with absolutely nothing now until god knows when.

OP posts:
Minty25 · 22/12/2025 21:44

If you have no earnings ( smp is classed as earnings) then you should get slightly more UC although will obviously lose the benefit of your work allowance on UC. I would contact your employer and see if you can negotiate to return earlier. Contact Citizens advice asap for a food voucher.

Original poster
Twistedunicorn · 22/12/2025 21:46

@Minty25 I'm not even sure if our local citizens advice is open but I'll check tomorrow and will have a look about for food banks if need be.

OP posts:
Minty25 · 22/12/2025 21:48

Twistedunicorn · 22/12/2025 21:46

@Minty25 I'm not even sure if our local citizens advice is open but I'll check tomorrow and will have a look about for food banks if need be.

I know our local one is open tomorrow and they are putting out ads for people who need food parcels to get in touch so hopefully your will be too. I work for a different charity and have delivered food to a family in need today. Hope you get some help.

dementedpixie · 22/12/2025 21:49

Any friends or family that could help out?

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