help

davesdonkt

To claim maternity allowance I need to have worked for 26 weeks.

Which I have. But my first job was paid in cash and because my earnings were below the tax threshold (approx 60pw) my boss didn't declare it to hmrc even though it was his responsibility. So hmrc will have no record of this job. I was there part time for 3 months.

What can I do? Am I screwed out kf maternity allowance? My last job was better paid and done through paye.

Savvy_Sue

To get SMP your average weekly earnings before taking off tax
and National Insurance must be at least equal to the Lower
Earnings Limit.

What were your weekly earnings with this first employer? Did you receive payslips?

If you were not earning enough to pay tax, you may not have earned enough to count towards the 26 weeks.

You may be able to claim Maternity Allowance instead:

www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/how-to-claim

chrisbur

It is quite possible that your first employer did not have to register you with HMRC. Do you have payslips for this job?

Edit If no payslips have you asked old employer if they would give you a letter confirming employment details and earnings?