Maternity - SMP/ MA

Sailingsuzie

Hi, I'm having a baby in December and currently working two jobs due to the cost of living and rising bills.

My first job, in a book shop is only part time (variable from 10-22 hours a week) & minimum wage - but I qualify here for SMP. My second job is seasonal, I work 30 hours & earn a good wage but I do not qualify for SMP due to starting it two weeks later than the qualifying timeframe. 

As it stands, SMP is only based on my book shop payslips and therefore I'm at the bottom end of what I can receive from SMP - however if my other jobs payslips were taken into account, I'd qualify for the full amount. 

If I was to claim maternity allowance, the qualifying period for payslips would calculate both my jobs. However having spoken to the job centre about claiming Maternity allowance, they stated that because I can get SMP (even if I left my employer) - my claim would not be successful. 

I feel like I have slipped through the cracks and that there is neither any suitable advice online or government bodies that are willing to listen (Job centre, citizens advice, employer ect.). 

If you've got any suggestions on who to talk to, or advice to give I'd really appreciate it! 

chrisbur

Sailingsuzie said:

Hi, I'm having a baby in December 

If I was to claim maternity allowance, the qualifying period for payslips would calculate both my jobs. However having spoken to the job centre about claiming Maternity allowance, they stated that because I can get SMP (even if I left my employer) - my claim would not be successful. 

This would actually depend on when in December baby is due.
If you want you can put the dates in here and the calculator will advise when you need to be employed till.
Though I personally would not recommend giving up your job under these circumstances.

EDIT Forgot to put the link in
https://www.gov.uk/maternity-paternity-calculator