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Pregnant after handing in my notice: ask the expert
I recently changed jobs due to being made redundant. I have been with my new company since the start of May this year, so less than 26 weeks. I recently applied for a new job with a different company as I wanted part-time work. I got the part-time position and have handed in my notice (currently working notice of 4 weeks). Since handing in my notice I have found out that I’m four weeks pregnant. I need some advice as to whether I will be able to claim anything? I take it I won’t be able to claim SMP. Would I be better off staying with my present employer?
You are entitled to receive SMP from your employer provided you have been continuously employed by them for a period of 26 weeks as at the beginning of your 15th week prior to your expected week of childbirth, which is usually your 25th week of pregnancy. Therefore, you must have worked for your employer for at least two weeks prior to becoming pregnant to be eligible for SMP.
However, you may still be eligible for maternity allowance which is means tested based on your National Insurance Contributions and you can claim this directly through your Job Centre Plus office. You should ask them for form MA which you will need to complete and return to them for their assessment. MA is paid at the prescribed SMP rate for a period of 39 weeks.
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Comments [1]
Anonymous says:
I handed my notice in after 8 months off sick , stopped getting payed from work and should have claimed from job center and never did for 5 weeks and 4 days later found out i was pregnant .. Will I be entitled to anything?!
Editor: If you have been working for 26 weeks in the 66 weeks leading up to your baby's due date and have earned at least £30 a week in any 13-week period in the 66 weeks you will qualify for Maternity Allowance which you claim from your local Job Centre Plus.