Maternity Allowance

Article from: My family in the United Kingdom

It is important to know what you qualify as a new parent or parent to be, but the rules and regulations can be difficult to remember. Here is an introduction to the database.

Statutory maternity leave

To qualify for the minimum legal requirement of maternity leave, you must be an "employee", as opposed to a worker or self-employed. If you are unsure of your employment status, namely DirectGov.

How does it work?

• All employees are entitled to 52 weeks of maternity leave, no matter how long they have worked for their employer

• It is divided into ordinary maternity leave (26 weeks) and additional maternity leave (26 weeks)

• During the additional period, you are under contractual rights

• You can take a maternity leave to 11 weeks before the due date of your child

For SMP (SMP)

Although any employee entitled to maternity leave, you can not qualify for SMP if you earn an average of more than £ 90 per week and were employed by the same employer continuously for at least 26 weeks until the 15th week before the due date.

How does it work?

• You must tell your employer at least 28 days before you want to start claiming SMP

• You are entitled to 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks

• This figure drops to a flat rate of £ 117.18 (£ 123.06 from April 5, 2009) for 33 weeks following 39 weeks in total decision

Contractual Maternity Pay

maternity leave and increased number of companies offer a maternity allowance, but if you do not return to work after your maternity period, you may be required to pay a little money.

Paternity leave and paternity leave

If you have a child or adopting a child with your partner you will receive two weeks of paternity leave provided they have been continuously employed by the same employer for 26 weeks by the 15th week before childbirth. The law also applies to partners in same sex relationships.

How does it work?

• You must tell your employer before or during the 15th week before childbirth

• You can take your leave in blocks of one week or two consecutive weeks

• During your leave, you are entitled to 90% of your average salary or the flat rate of £ 117.18 (£ 123.06 from April 5, 2009)

For more information

Your right to maternity leave and paid maternity leave varies depending on your employment status. Use the tool on Tiger Direct Gov get a personalized tax on what you qualify.

Other benefits

If you do not qualify for SMP, you may be eligible for maternity allowance (MA) or other benefits. Contact your local JobcentrePlus for more details.

Problems with your employer

If your employer refuses to give leave and pay if you qualify, they are breaking the law. Clarify your rights by asking your union representative or your local Citizens Advice Bureau.

Additional information

For more information, and for more great ways to have fun with your family, you will connect to www.myfamilyuk.com . With a huge collection of articles covering everything from child safety to rainy day activity.