Maternity Allowance confusion

happysmile.

I am currently 22 weeks pregnant. I pay class 2 NI contributions. I started working in November too (at about 5 weeks pregnant). I have also been on the sick since the start of January and I have been given another month sick now which will take me to 26 weeks. I want to start maternity leave at 29 weeks.
My question is do I still get full MA as I have continued to pay NI throughout working? I have to get a smp1 form from my employer, is that right? Just a bit confused as to if I get it by being self employed or employed!!

mookie

If your employer has said you need an SMP1 you need to apply for maternity allowance this link should help answer your questions.

http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/JCP/Customers/WorkingAgeBenefits/Dev_008115.xml.html

What happens if my employer says I do not qualify for SMP?

Your employer will tell you why they cannot pay SMP to you. They will give you form SMP1 explaining the reason. You may be able to get Maternity Allowance. You will need to send form SMP1 to your local Jobcentre Plus/social security office with your Maternity Allowance (MA) claim form.
If you believe your employers decision not to pay SMP to you was wrong, then you should ask your local HM Revenue & Customs office to decide the matter.

mitchaa

Why do you think you are entitled to maternity pay?

To me it looks like you worked 7-8wks with the company, decided to go off sick in the new year, and have been getting monthly sick notes since to take you upto the 29wks where SMP is paid.

You dont think this looks a bit suspicious? Were you planning on going back to work when your SMP ran out or would it have been another doctors sicknote for PND?

There is a continuous 26wk working rule before the 15th week where the child is born

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/advisers/ni17a/smp/smp_2.asp
http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2007/apr/02/workingparents.business

This means you are not eligible for it as your dates do not fit.

chrisbur

mitchaa wrote: »

Why do you think you are entitled to maternity pay?

To me it looks like you worked 7-8wks with the company, decided to go off sick in the new year, and have been getting monthly sick notes since to take you upto the 29wks where SMP is paid.

You dont think this looks a bit suspicious? Were you planning on going back to work when your SMP ran out or would it have been another doctors sicknote for PND?

There is a continuous 26wk working rule before the 15th week where the child is born

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/advisers/ni17a/smp/smp_2.asp
http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2007/apr/02/workingparents.business

This means you are not eligible for it as your dates do not fit.

This all relates to Statutory Maternity Pay which happysmile knows she is not entitled to. The question was about Maternity Allowance, which on the details given she appears to be entitled to.
Have a look at http://www.dwp.gov.uk/advisers/ni17a/ma/index.asp
This gives full details.