UK ladies - Additional Maternity leave help please

[wookie3]

Could anybody tell me if you're entitled to any help or benefit if on unpaid Additional maternity leave? I only get 26 weeks SMP and then what do I do for the next 26 weeks?

I am not planning to going back to that job so would it be better to quit my job?

 

[Gbobs]

Could anybody tell me if you're entitled to any help or benefit if on unpaid Additional maternity leave? I only get 26 weeks SMP and then what do I do for the next 26 weeks?

I am not planning to going back to that job so would it be better to quit my job?

Why don't you get the 39 weeks SMP? I thought this was standard? As far as am I aware unless your company pays you additional pay then you wouldn't be entitled to anything else as it's your choice to take extra time off once SMP ends.

I wasn't planning on going back to my job but went on maternity to get SMP and holiday pay from my work. I think if you quit before you go on maternity leave then you wouldn't be entitled to SMP. I could be wrong though.

 

[xxembobxx]

If you're entitled to SMP then you are entitled to it for 39 weeks. The confusion arises because after 26 weeks you are not necessarily guaranteed your old job back although it should be of a similar type and pay scale.
After 39 weeks you are not entitled to anything unless your company provides an enhanced maternity package (but these often come with stipulations). Also bear in mind you are not classed as working for tax credits purposes if you do take the 13 weeks unpaid after the initial 39 paid.

 

[Abz1982]

I am wondering the same.............namely.............ifyou take Company maternity pay, is £100 pw discounted the same as SMP is? As this would make a BIG difference!

Also.............you pay tax on SMP...........but with the limit going up to 9k next year tax free....will they still tax me and expect me to get it back? If I take even the 9 months I will still be under the limit.........god its soo stressful!