Maternity Pay for employment, but also a shared lives carer

PenguinForever

Hello,

My wife and I are shared lives carers. This is very similar to fostering, except for adults instead of children. We have been doing this for about a year, so have not yet submitted a self assessment - however, about to do this soon! We both still work full time. My wife is pregnant and about to go on maternity leave from her employment. However, someone has told us that my wife may not be entitled to maternity pay as we are shared lives hosts? Even though, shared lives is not working, well not in our eyes anyway! I’ve tried to google, but I’ve not had any luck finding answers. Any advice would be greatly received! 

Thanks.

sheramber

Could it be because if the caring continues she will still be classed as working 

 She can get SMP and continue as self employed  

if she is claiming Maternity Allowance she can only work ( employed or self employed) for 10 days during the period.