DID YOU KNOW...
that self employed people are eligible for Maternity Benefit?
I am filling out a MA1 form "Maternity Allowance", and the outline stipulates that if you've been self-employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before the week before you expect to have your baby AND you average gross weekly earnings are at least £30 as week AND you have stopped work to have your baby, you can get Maternity Allowance.
Maternity pay : Directgov - Parents
You need to be registered as self-employed, and paying National Insurance contributions, but this could mean up to £120 a week for up to 39 weeks. I now there are a lot of self employed techs out there on this board, and quite a number who are currently pregnant. I genuinely didn't have a clue I was eligible for this, and I just wanted to spread the word. No one TELLS you these things. My midwives haven't said a word, and I had to go look it up.
I had assumed that because I was self employed (have had a mobile salon for 2 years) that I would be on my own as far as any maternity leave was concerned. My baby is due at the end of May, and as I have to have a C-section I will be out of commission for at least 6 weeks as I won't be allowed to drive. I was just hoping to recover quickly, take clients in at my own house, and try to get back to normal as soon as possible. It was stressing me out a fair amount as I had a hard recovery with my first. This means I can recover without worry and get back up to speed gently without trying to rush things. I'm so thrilled, and so relieved.
* mods, if I've got this in the wrong place, please feel free to move it - I felt it was an important thing for people to know as it could affect their livelihood but I was unsure to put it in BizGeek or ChitChat. I will blog it if you feel that is more appropriate - I just think people need to know this so I'm putting it out there. I wish someone had told me!!
that self employed people are eligible for Maternity Benefit?
I am filling out a MA1 form "Maternity Allowance", and the outline stipulates that if you've been self-employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before the week before you expect to have your baby AND you average gross weekly earnings are at least £30 as week AND you have stopped work to have your baby, you can get Maternity Allowance.
Maternity pay : Directgov - Parents
You need to be registered as self-employed, and paying National Insurance contributions, but this could mean up to £120 a week for up to 39 weeks. I now there are a lot of self employed techs out there on this board, and quite a number who are currently pregnant. I genuinely didn't have a clue I was eligible for this, and I just wanted to spread the word. No one TELLS you these things. My midwives haven't said a word, and I had to go look it up.
I had assumed that because I was self employed (have had a mobile salon for 2 years) that I would be on my own as far as any maternity leave was concerned. My baby is due at the end of May, and as I have to have a C-section I will be out of commission for at least 6 weeks as I won't be allowed to drive. I was just hoping to recover quickly, take clients in at my own house, and try to get back to normal as soon as possible. It was stressing me out a fair amount as I had a hard recovery with my first. This means I can recover without worry and get back up to speed gently without trying to rush things. I'm so thrilled, and so relieved.
* mods, if I've got this in the wrong place, please feel free to move it - I felt it was an important thing for people to know as it could affect their livelihood but I was unsure to put it in BizGeek or ChitChat. I will blog it if you feel that is more appropriate - I just think people need to know this so I'm putting it out there. I wish someone had told me!!
