Maternity Allowance, need some advice.

[Evansangel]

I'm not entitled to SMP as I was off sick during the qualifying period. So I have to apply for MA.

What is the process for doing this?

I am waiting on my SMP1 form back from work (I got it back the other day with the wrong date on it so I have to wait for another one)

Is it easy to apply for? I hate doing things through the job centre usually because when I was once applying for income support I had to answer a million and one questions and it was tedious

 

[Rachel_C]

I just filled in one form and sent off the relevant payslips. It was quick and easy, apart from deciding which weeks' payslips to send to make sure I got the full amount!

 

[Evansangel]

Thank you, I like ease when filling out forms!

I have already found my best payslips to send. I have out them away in the cupboard so I don't lose them.

 

[PrincessJJ]

If you call job centre they will send you a form out in the post.... Had my reply back today approx 10days after I posted it xxx

 

[Evansangel]

I will call them tomorrow. My work sent up my form about the mistake on my SMP1 yesterday so that should be posted today and be with me by Monday hopefully.

I get paid 4 weekly, so am I to send them 4 payslips?

 

[PrincessJJ]

Yeah... Although I think I sent my 5 highest just to be on the safe side and they awarded me the maximum amount xxx

 

[My_First]

I'm not quite sure why you would not be entitled to SMP you were off sick from work as you are still counted as employed, off sick or not? This maybe something to query.

 

[My_First]

P.s. you need to send them 13 weeks worth of pay slips.

 

[Evansangel]

I'm not quite sure why you would not be entitled to SMP you were off sick from work as you are still counted as employed, off sick or not? This maybe something to query.

I didn't get paid when I was off sick, and they work out SMP based on earnings which I had very little of. So my average was below the threshold.

 

[Evansangel]

Yeah... Although I think I sent my 5 highest just to be on the safe side and they awarded me the maximum amount xxx

Thanks, ill try and find a fifth one with a good amount of pay on there.
I can't remember where I put most of my payslips