Do I need to pay back maternity pay?

[harryt]

I have been told two bits of conflicting information, I have been told that if i chose to leave my employer at the end of my maternity leave without returning to work, i would have to pay the maternity pay back?
someone also mentioned i need to return to my previous employer for at least 6 weeks before i leave so i don't get this penalty.
Is this correct?

[Buenchico]

Assuming that the employee earns at least �90 per week (and has worked for the employer for long enough to qualify) all employers are obliged to pay Statutory Maternity Pay. Some employers pay additional maternity pay.

If you're not sure whether the payments you're receiving are solely SMP, or whether your employer is making additional payments, see here to check on the amounts you're entitled to as SMP:
http://ukonline.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBe nefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Expec tingorbringingupchildren/DG_10018741

As you'll see from the information on that page, your Statutory Maternity Pay is yours to keep, irrespective of whether you return to work or not. If you're receiving additional payments, you might be required to return the additional element of your payments, depending upon the rules of the company's scheme.

Chris