Maternity Pay

[tamarindlazuli]

I know I can look up all the info about maternity pay etc online, but I suppose I am in panic mode and want some practical advice if anyone has been in a similar situation.
I am 90% sure I'm pregnant but it's really come at an unfortunate time because I have finally started proactively to look for another job, having been extremely unhappy in my current job for a long time.
I'd just started to feel positive about the future, having targeted my next move and making the decision to leave my current job even if it does mean taking a pay cut in my new (potential) one.
I've just realised that if I do get offered a new job in the next few weeks and take it, I would not qualify for stat mat, but I could not survive without it and am pretty sure I don't qualify for any grants or any other kinds of support.
You see the problem is, although my partner has a very good job, we have very high financial outgoings (mainly mortgage but also other loans) so we really rely on our combined salaries. We barely even qualify for tax credits so I dread to think now, what the options are.
What do you do if you don't qualify for stat mat?
I just can't bear the thought of having to string out my current job, it's getting worse every day and I've come close to just quitting without plan B several times in the last few months, due to the stress and the exhaustion of it all and it fills me with dread to stay - especially pregnant and doing the hours I do every day, I don't think I could sustain it without it affecting my health anyway.
Thank you for any advice.

Don't panic. Deep breath!

Even if you don't qualify for SMP (and you're right, if you're pregnant when you join a new employer then you won't), you sound like you probably qualify for Maternity Allowance.

SMP is 90% of pay for six weeks, then a flat rate for 33 weeks. MA is flat rate for the full 39 weeks (but, weirdly, you don't pay tax on it). Have a read here. It's not means tested, so overall family income won't matter.

Unless your employer gives generous extra maternity pay then the difference between SMP and MA is minimal in the long run.

Why dont you go to a money advisor/CAB to discuss your debt situation, this seems to be more of a problem than pregnancy/maternity IMO.

You might be able to take a break or make reduced debt repayments whilst your income temporarily drops.

Also try Moneysavingexpert for some debt reducing tips.

Ah, so let me get this right, maternity allowance isn't calculated on your household income then, purely my own?
If that's the case, then that is a HUGE relief to know - I just couldn't think it would be possible to receive no financial support whatsoever.
I was panicking thinking it was yet another example of how people on lower incomes than us ending up being financially better off because of the all the extra state benefits when we end up paying more tax and being less eligible for hand outs - I certainly know this is the case with several couples I know, just doesn't seem fair.
But before I go ranting I must check out MA and if I do indeed qualify for that. If I do, I am steaming ahead with my job applications!
Thanks all.

Nope. It's just based on whether you have earned enough money in the 1 1/4 years pre due date. Have a look at the link. You don't need to have worked much actually.

The Health in Pregnancy grant of £190 isn't means tested either.