A question about maternity allowance?

[Babyfairy1984]

Hi everyone,

I am currently 11w4d pregnant and seriously considering leaving my part time job, I am just finding it too much, it is 2 30min bus rides away and rushing around is not helping my high BP which doctor has already signed me off for as it is a risk to baby, as well as it being a really stressful job.
So basically my question is if I leave now will I be entitled to maternity allowance (not mat pay). My due date is 13th April 2012 and it says you need to have been employed for 26 of the 66weeks leading up to the babys birth.
Thanks in advance.

 

[LittleOnes]

Sorry I do not know about those things specifically as I am in the US but how big of a financial burden would it be to get the allowance instead of the pay? Is there a way you can talk to your work and see about working from home 2 days a week? Can you carpool with anyone from work to avoid taking long bus rides?

Good luck.

 

[Babyfairy1984]

Thanks for your reply. Financially we wouldn't be that much worse off, except for the next 4-5 months before the payments start. Car sharing isn't an option unfortunatley or working from home. Thankyou for your suggestions x

 

[rubberducky88]

Count the weeks up hun.
Seriously, its as if I could have written this post! I left my job last week cos I couldn't cope with my commute and had high blood pressure!
I counted 66 weeks back from my due date and then counted 26 weeks forward to check I'd worked them all and I had.
So even if I don't find a job (which I hope I do) I'll still be entitled to MA
Xx

 

[kat2504]

I would not recommend doing this really. Why not get your doctor to write you a note saying you need shorter working hours and less stressful duties? They can do this, and stress is something your employer should take into account when they do the risk assessment. You would still be getting your normal rate of pay then for the next few months. You should still be paid for the time you are signed off sick.
If you leave your job by choice, you can't claim jobseekers.
You'll need to get a calendar out and count the weeks to see if you have done enough. Perhaps when you add in your notice period you will qualify for MA.

 

[yumosh]

hi

i know what commuting is like..i reduced my work days to 2 (im lecturer and lucky enough to do that) so dont compromise your health for money. If you can afford to live on MA go for it..

good luck