Maternity pay when self employed?

[Moomad]

Am I entitled to anything from the government?

I've been told to find out some information by my OH but I just don't know where to start.

I've been self employed since I was 19 and just don't know what I'm entitled to. I'm behind on my national insurance and tax payments, but will be able to get that sorted in these last few months of working.

Unfortunatly, I won't be able to do my job when my bump arrives, as I currently work as a model, and my body will change so may not be able to go back to it afterwards. And if I do, it won't be for a few months at least.

I'm confused. Someone please help me

 

[littleblonde]

If you type in google search maternity pay. Go to the governement site link it will go through what you are intitled to. I no that self employed do get mat pay but im not self employed so i dont no more. the site is straight forwarf as i used it for normal mat pay. You can download the form from there to full out as well and there is a full guide as to what you need to prove. You cant apply till much later on but it will tell you when, Best to look now so yoiu can get together the bits you need to prove , rather than a mad rush. sorry hun that i cant help more

 

[Moomad]

That's a great help, thankyou. I'll have a look.

I think I'm mostly confused because I don't know if I'll have to have jobseekers allowance untill when I'm allowed maternity allowance I guess.

 

[MrsRH]

difficult because of your job if you can't do it if you are pregnant.
you should get maternity allowance ONLY if you are up to date with NI payments.

If you claim JSA you will have to look for work and declare that you are not self empolyed anymore.
I'd go to the job centre or cab and ask them about your situation.

good luck
x

 

[suzib76]

yes if your NI is paid up when you submit a claim for MA you will get it, you can claim from 26 weeks although you dont get any till 29 weeks

i was 2 years behind on my NI and paid it off just a month before i put in my claim

 

[Moomad]

Thanks girls, I've sorted it now. Maternity isn't untill 26 weeks and I've stopped work immediately so jobseekers it is for now!