Made redundant
So a month ago I received the news that only me will be made redundant and the process has been incredibly stressful but it is done, the company really rushed the whole thing before I was able to qualify for my statutory maternity pay, I’m now 26 weeks and concerned what I will be entitled to regarding maternity allowance, has anybody had a similar experience?
Any advice or help welcome, it’s a very sore subject for me still but want to know my options if there are any?
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Nugget savings they have loads of really good info around situations like this. Sorry you’re going through it
I'm really sorry this has happened to you. If you think the decision has been made unfairly, didn't follow a fair process or was to avoid paying SMP, it might be worth speaking things over eith citizens advice or ACAS.
That aside. Maternity allowance is based on a qualifying period of work in the 66 weeks (1y 3m) before your baby is born (or estimated due date). You must have been employed or self employed for a minimum of 26 weeks (6m) and have earned at least £30 per week for 13 of those weeks. So essentially, if you were employed for more than 6 months by your previous employer, you likely qualify.
Although it depends on dates of employment, other benefit claims and any partners earnings. GOV.uk has an online maternity allowance calculator that can tell you if you're eligible.
If you are, you can put in a claim now (from 26 weeks) and request the allowance to start from as early as 29 weeks or up to your due date.
The payment is £194 per week and you can claim for up to 39 weeks.
If you were to find another job before your baby is due, you would qualify for 52 weeks maternity leave, but wouldn't get SMP from your new employer. You'd have the same eligibility for Maternity Allowance.
Again, I'm so sorry you're in this situation x
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