Maternity Entitlement Query?!

[Cleo100]

Hi Girls,

I'm a bit confused as when I last went on Maternity leave I had been working and got maternity pay of about £133 a week I think.

However I'm a stay at home Mum and have been not working for nearly 18 months and we are going to start trying for baby no 2 in the new year.

Just wondering is there any maternity payments from the government at all if you are not working and my OH is in full time employment? I can't find anything online.

I only ask as the last time my maternity allowance paid for all of the baby items we needed, her clothes nappies etc. OH pays mortgage bills food etc so I never ask for money as he provides us with what we need. However it will be hard having to put my hand out this time around (for maternity items etc if there is no allowance as I never ask him for money....)

Just thought I would ask to see if you guys know if there is a standard entitlement?

I found the health in pregnancy grant but thats it.

Thanks

Cleo xxx

 

[Mamafy]

Do you claim tax credits hun?

 

[Mervs Mum]

I'm not sure if you get SMP if you havent been working.....good question.....

 

[Rosie's Mummy]

I think it depends on your contributions; I would seek advice from some professional body - there must be someone who can give you all the info; for now this site may be of use. Good luck!

http://www.askbaby.com/maternity-pay.htm

 

[Paratus]

You're probably not entitled to anything, I'm afraid. Statutory Maternity Pay is paid by your employer if you qualify, which generally means you've been employed by them for at least 26 weeks by the time you hit 15 weeks to go.

If you're ineligible for SMP, then you can sometimes get Maternity Allowance from the government. However, they only pay that if you've been employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks up until the week before the baby's due. MA is up to about £120 a week, depending on how much you were earning during the test period.

So basically, if you've not worked for the full 6 months up until falling pregnant, or 6 months during your pregnancy, then you're not entitled to anything.