Maternity Allowance

Mum_to_be

I am 28 weeks pregnant i have never worked does anyone know if might be entitled to Maternity allowance??

please help:eek:

Becles

Sorry but Maternity Allowance is based on NI contributions which you won't have if you've never worked. It's designed to cover wages while you take time off from work on maternity leave.

Mum_to_be

oh right, i phoned up the jobcentre to see what benefits i may be entitled to and she said i may be entitled to maternity allowance because me and my partner have a low income and she is sending me a form out to apply for it so it'll be a waist of time filling it out then.

flea72

that sounds more like the surestart maternity grant

F

Markie11

I think she is right. SMP is different to MA (Maternity Allowance).

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/moneytaxandbenefits/benefitstaxcreditsandothersupport/expectingorbringingupchildren/dg_10018869

tronski

Maternity Allowance: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Expectingorbringingupchildren/DG_10018869

You have to have worked 26 weeks out of the last 66 weeks before your baby is due to qualify for Maternity Allowance. If you haven't worked then you will not be eligible.

When I went to the job centre to get the forms for Maternity Allowance, they gave me the form for Sure Start Maternity Grant instead. Maybe they get the two confused? The Sure Start grant is a one off payment of £500 - there are still conditions you need to meet to be entitled to it.

Sure Start Grant: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Expectingorbringingupchildren/DG_10018854

tronski

Also you should have received or soon be receiving a form from your midwife so you can apply for your Health in Pregnancy Grant. Everyone gets it - it's £190.