SSP/MATERNITY LEAVE + BENEFITS

[yecats2885]

hi all

im 27 weeks pregnant and have been signed off work for a month, i keep fainting, nearly everyday, i did it in january and fell down the stairs at work, and done the ligament in my ankle, i had 3 weeks off on full pay and returned to work, since then im having constant dizzy spells, all bloods, bp everything is normal, its just one of those things,

on friday i fainted and landed on my bump, luckily he is fine but my doc signed me off work.

im due to be starting maternity leave in 8 weeks (at 35 weeks) my company pays for the first 6 weeks of mat leave 90% of average wages for 8 weeks prior to me leaving

does ssp get taken into account? so will i get 90% of £79 ssp, or 90% of my normal 40 hour per week wages, or will it start straight on smp of £123?

also does anyone know if i will be able to claim any extra benefits until baby is born, my partner works 20 hours at minimum wage and is partially self employed earning an extra £300-£400 pmand i will obviously just be getting ssp

we rent our house

[Coppertop84]

Hi Yecats2885,

First of all, congratulations on your pregnancy. xxx

As long as you are entitled your employer should pay you 6 weeks of 90% average weekly earnings followed by 33 weeks of £123.06 (for 2009/10 tax year) or the 90% average whichever is lower.

So for example only: If your 90% weekly average earnings calculate to be £103 per week you would receive all 39 weeks at £103 per week. If your 90% weekly average earnings calculate to be £140 per week you would receive the first 6 weeks at the £140, then 33 weeks of £123.06 (for 2009/10 tax year).

The 8 week average is not calculated on the 8 weeks immediately prior to you commencing maternity leave. The 8 week period used are the 8 weeks prior to the 15th week before your baby is due.

If you are absent from work due to a pregnancy related illness at the 4th week before the baby is due your maternity leave would need to commence automatically.

With regards to your partner I do not know anything about that - sorry.

Hope this helps and good luck xxx