SMP Entitled or not?

[Claire123]

Hi guys, wonder if you can put me out of my misery. Just started a new job on 5 November and now just found out I'm pregnant. Am starting to panic already! Got a wedding booked for 23 August. Baby due 24 August so that'll have to be cancelled.

Anyone tell me in idiot terms if I will be entitled to SMP. Been looking on website for an SMP calculator or something that will tell me at a glance if i qualify. Tried working it out myself ie being employed 26 weeks at 15th week etc but heads in such a muddle i'm getting different answers. jees, sorry for babbling but please help someone! Thanks a million if anyone can answer this.
Claire

[Psychick]

First of all, congratulations!

I think, although its late and my brain never works well anyway, that you would have needed to be in your current job for 11 weeks before falling pregnant to be able to qualify for SMP. That way you would be 15 weeks pregnant when you have been working there for 26 weeks. As you have already fallen pregnant and only been in the job about 5 weeks, Im afraid you wont qualify.

[warpig3]

Firstly, congratulations!!!!!!

I have done a rough count in my diary and by my calculations you should be alright, just. 26 weeks from 5 th nov takes you to 5th may and 15 weeks before your due date is around the 10/11 May so it seems to be ok but please recheck it 'cos I could very well be wrong.

If you dont get SMP you should be entitled to Maternity Allowance which is around �112 per week or 90% of your weekly salary, whichever is less.

I have had a read through the SMP and MA on the GOV website and it is a bit tricky to follow. I found the most help I got was by ringing the new claims line and asking to speak to someone who deals directly with SMP. Unfortunately there are so many benefits about that it is nearly impossible for call centre staff members to have full knowledge of them all.

I wish you luck on the SMP front and also a happy and healthy pregnancy.

warpig

[Claire123]

Thanks very much for your answer and best wishes. Think I'll take your advice and ring someone tomorrow. Thanks again. Claire