Not working - maternity pay

[Eveadel]

Does anybody know if you can receive maternity payment even if you are not working???

The reason I ask this question is that Im currently on maternity leave (unpaid now) due to go back in July. I am thinking of starting to try for another baby in September. If I dont go back to work will I still get a government maternity pay, etc??? I understand that it is being extended to 9 onths from April???

 

[Nic'n'Keeley]

not sure about any maternity money but you could get some form of income support

 

[tuck]

If you haven't been earning a certain amount (ie you have been on unpaid maternity) leave then you will not be entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity Pay. Income Support would depend on your cicumstances and if you have a partner who is working etc, you may be entitled to tax credits though

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Bfsl1/Benef ... G_10018869

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAnd ... DG_4015478

 

[Eveadel]

Thanks. So basically I wouldnt be entitled to anything as would not be eligible for IS.

 

[Sabrina]

Sounds like it might be worth you going back to work just to qualify for the maternity pay again. I'm not sure if there's a minimum period you have to be back but I know a lady who had one baby, took the leave, came back and left for the second baby within 3 months! She got all her maternity pay twice.

Just a thought.

 

[tuck]

If you are going back to work in July and then start trying in Sept even if you fell straight away then by the time that you are due to go on Maternity leave you may be re-entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay. you will need to satisfy the continuous employment rule.
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/advisers/ni17a/smp/smp_9.asp

 

[Baileysmummy]

its only extended to 9 months if your baby is due after 1st april 2007....