How long is Maternity allowance paid?

[nickilubs]

I just read that its 39weeks at 90% of your wage or £117 but then it says some thing about it being 26weeks

"26 weeks Ordinary Maternity Leave followed by a further 26 weeks Additional Maternity Leave"

so where does the 39weeks come into it and what is "additional maternity leave"? I need to give my boss a date when I will be back but I dont know what amount of time off I can have with a decent amount of pay? Thanks.xx

 

[Manda&Thomas]

mines 39 weeks hun
xx

 

[bunnymom1980]

You get paid for 39 weeks and rest of additional mat leave (13 weeks) is unpaid

 

[Julie84]

As bunnymom said. The maternity leave is split into 2 parts OML and AML (each is slightly different with respects to company benefits etc and whether you are eligible).

Your work will assume that you will take all of your OML and AML (52 weeks in full) with the last 13 weeks unpaid. However, you can return to work at any point after the compulsory first 2 weeks after birth but most employers require 8 weeks notice in writing.

I'm thinking of going back after SMP stops so all of OML and half of AML but won't tell work until nearer the time in case OH gets a well paid job and I can be a housewife (or hell freezes over - I know which is more likely!!)

 

[kalia]

It was changed around 18 months ago so if you're reading old stuff it may say 26 weeks but since April 07 it's 39 weeks MA. Maternity leave has always been a year but that's the time you are allowed off, not the time you are paid for. OML is the bit you're paid for, AML is the bit you're not paid for.