Voluntary redundancy whilst on maternity leave

claire250182

Hi everyone, wondering if somebody could help me?
I went on maternity leave in June 2011 (baby born in July) and was due to return back to work in March 2012..

I was offered voluntary redundancy 2 weeks ago which I have accepted.
My package includes a lump sum payment of the remainder of SMP until March which I would've been due if I had continued to work for my employer.

I am looking to start my own childminding business which is something I have always wanted to do, I just have a few questions re benefits....

1) Would I qualify for Maternity Allowance from the Jobcentre, as I am now classed as unemployed (even though I have received SMP)

2) Would I qualify for Jobseekers allowance (it will take me around 6 months to qualify as a childminder so I will have no monthly income during this period)

3) Do I need to declare this to Tax Credits i.e that I have received a one off redundancy payment and that I am out of work.

Sorry, I have never been unemployed before so I am not sure if I am entitled to anything.

Thanks

pauletruth

would you not have got that anyway. you should have beeb offered more.

claire250182

I have received a very good package, PART of my package includes SMP.

DaisyFlower

You cant claim MA and SMP on the same pregnancy for the same job, its one or the other and you qualified for SMP.

When your SMP would have run out (after 39 weeks) then you may qualify for 6 months contributions based JSA if you meet the job seeking criteria.