Totally confused about maternity pay, please help

[Isobelhh]

I'm almost 32 weeks pregnant now and due to finish work in a couple of weeks time. I know I'd like to take 9 months off altogether. I am aware that the first 6 weeks are paid by employer at 90%. Would I also recieve money from the government too for this time and when my wage drops to 50%, how long is that for and will I recieve government money per week then too? What happens when I'm not paid anything by my employer at all? I had heard that 9 months off, I should receive some sort of payments and I'm aware that if I took a year, the last 3 months I wouldnt be entitled to anything? Please help anyone who knows their stuff on this, much appreciated xx

 

[suzib76]

Statutory Maternity Pay in the UK is 90% of your wage for the first 6 weeks and then the remaining 33 weeks are paid at £123.06 (or 90% of your wage if less than this amount)a week - it is paid by your employer who then claims it back from HMRC-

if you are going to be dropping to a half wage then it sounds like you employer has a specific maternity package through themselves so you would need to ask them exactly what they will be paying

 

[MrsRH]

all depends on your contract. eg NHS may pay is 6 weeks at 90%, then 6 weeks at 50%, rest at SMP. You probably don't get SMP on top of that. I think the total number of weeks is usually 39 so if you have 1 year off 52-39 weeks is unpaid. You can claim child benefit and working/child tax credit on top of mat pay ( depending on joint earnings) but as you are still classed as 'employed' you can't really get any other benefits.

HTH, hun
Speak to your HR department!
xxx

 

[littleblonde]

If your employer stops paying you before 39 weeks then you will get smp for the remainder. But whie you are being pain by your employer you get no other money from smp. You do get child benefit and may get tax credits ect but not sure how that part works