When can I leave my work and go for maternity if I can get only Maternity Allowance?At ant time I want?

Question

Hi,

I need an advice about the Maternity Allowance. I know I can't get Statutory Maternity because I'm not in my currect job enough time. I live in UK.

What I need to know is what is the earliest date when I can leave my job and go for matenity (because I don't feel well). I know that the women who can get Statutory maternity need to go for maternity in correct time otherwise will lose the money. But I've heard if I can get only Maternity Allowance then I can leave at anytime and I will not loose my Maternity Allowance. What I want to add is that my currect position is only temporary and I will not return here after my pregnancy.
My due date is 30/05/2007.I jus want to know if I can go at any time and I will not lose the money.

Answer 1

you can get MA from your 26th week of pregnancy. I too am pregnant (19+ weeks) and am unwell and thinking of leaving my job. This link below is quite helpful but i think i'm going to visit my local job centre to find out more as i can't keep expecting my doctor to provide me with sick notes!

Answer 2

you have to have been working for 26 weeks within your test period and the only way you can find your test period out is if you contact local benefits office and get them to send you a application form for maternity allowance and it will explain it in that. put it this way i worked for about 1 year before i got pregnant and left when i was 1 month pregnant because thats when my test date was, i was the same as you i wanted to leave too, if you have worked for at least a year and paid national insurance during that time and you are at least one month pregnant now and still at work i am sure you will be entitled to it but you dont get the money until your 26 week of pregnancy even if you leave work now, good luck and dont forget to claim for the sure start maternity grant too, not many people know about it, its £500 for your little one and its a big help!!! but you must claim within 3 months of baby being born, also ask for a claim form from local benefits office, good luck with your pregnancy too x p.s you have to show the benefits office 12 weeks of pay slips too also within your test period but like i say you have to get form and work out when your test period is.....

Answer 3

it depends on you NI contributions in the previous year. You get it from 11 weeks before your due date to 18 weeks after. Contact your local DSS for more details re contributions.