Not everyone is entitled, but if you have been working then the criteria for MA are fairly relaxed and there's a good chance you'd get it.
Pretty much you have to have worked for 26 weeks (not necessarily in a row) in the 66 weeks before the baby is due. You also (as Mrs Williams said) have to have earnt £30 a week minimum. So if you've only had a few weeks off you'll probably get it.
Don't forget about tax credits too. If you have been working 16 hours/ week or more then you may be eligible for working tax credit. Even if you haven't worked that many hours, you could still get child tax credit.
Personally I wouldn't bother talking to the Job Centre, I have found them to either be unbelieveably stupid or maybe even deliberately unhelpful. The Citizen's Advice Bureau have also been unreliable in my experience (although a lot nicer). Phone up the Working Families helpline, can't remember it right now but Google them and it'll say. They were fantastic when I spoke to them, they really know their stuff.
Hi, thanks for all your help!! I think i'll speak to the Working Families helpline, I just need to know where I stand about having to tell them or not, I don't want to be deceitful, but in the same token, I don't want to lose the offer of the job! Thank you all, i'm really grateful xx
Not everyone is entitled, but if you have been working then the criteria for MA are fairly relaxed and there's a good chance you'd get it.
Pretty much you have to have worked for 26 weeks (not necessarily in a row) in the 66 weeks before the baby is due. You also (as Mrs Williams said) have to have earnt £30 a week minimum. So if you've only had a few weeks off you'll probably get it.
Don't forget about tax credits too. If you have been working 16 hours/ week or more then you may be eligible for working tax credit. Even if you haven't worked that many hours, you could still get child tax credit.
Personally I wouldn't bother talking to the Job Centre, I have found them to either be unbelieveably stupid or maybe even deliberately unhelpful. The Citizen's Advice Bureau have also been unreliable in my experience (although a lot nicer). Phone up the Working Families helpline, can't remember it right now but Google them and it'll say. They were fantastic when I spoke to them, they really know their stuff.
hi my sister was in the same situation she found out she was pregnant a few days b4 startin her new job, her new employers didnt pay mat pay as she hadnt bn there long enough but she did get mat pay thru the job centre etc... and had the full amount of mat leave, i think that every new mum is entitled to mat leave and some sort of pay, your best bet would be to either talk to the jobcentre(although this can be frustrating!!) or even going to the citezins advice bureau because they wld be able 2 giv u all the info u need good luck xxxx
hiya im in a simular position. im only 7 weeks pregnant and start a new job next week.i havent even told my employer im pregnant yet cus its such early days. i know nothing about maternity pay and if im even going to be entitled to any?? i have been unemployed for 4 weeks up until i got offered the job so im so confused to. does everybody get some maternity off the government? or am i going to have the baby and have to return to work a few days after? sorry to be dumb but i dont get the maternity websites at all lol xx
thanks mrs williams... i was trying to get at the statutory maternity pay bit, that they dont have to pay it etc. but couldn't remember what the rules were. i just knew i'd be better off sticking with my current position than changing jobs.
anyhow, best of luck with whichever job you decide to go with twixyboo x
Just one little thing - MA is paid for up to 39 weeks just the same as SMP. Check this out http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Expectingorbringingupchildren/DG_10018869
Hope the link works xxx
it will either be £117.18 or 90% of your earnings, whichever is less. You will get 90% of your wages for the first 6 weeks of leave.
hi, i am a payroll consultant and unless they are going to pay you company maternity you will not get any statutory maternity from the government as you have to of been employed by them for 26 weeks upto and into 15 weeks before the baby is due .... so basicly you have to of been with them since before you were pregnant, i know this sounds harsh but it's true ! you will need to get you MATB1 form from your midwife/doctor and take it to your employer so they can issue you with a SMP1 form which basicly tells u that they cant pay u Statutory maternity pay because you havent worked there long enough you need to take this to your local job centre to apply for Maternity Allowance, to qualify for MA You must also have been a registered self-employed person or have been employed in at least 26 weeks out of the 66 week period running into the week before the week your baby is due. This is usually paid for 26 weeks. The earliest payment can start is 11 weeks before the baby is due. In addition, your earnings on average must be at least equal to the Maternity Allowance Threshold of £30.00 a week. Contributions must be paid, at the latest, before the end of the second tax year after the year in which they were due. If you are not sure whether you have paid enough contributions, contact your nearest Jobcentre Plus, or, in Northern Ireland, social security office. I know this is alot to take in lol add me and ask any questions if you need to x x