LRD guides and handbook March 2013

State benefits and tax credits 2013

Chapter 4

Statutory Maternity Pay

In addition to your right to maternity leave, you have the right to Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) if you:

• have worked for your employer for at least 26 weeks prior to the 15th week before your baby is due (the “qualifying week”);

• had average earnings of at least £109.00 a week in the eight weeks (or two months if paid monthly) prior to the 15th week if the end of your qualifying week is in the 2013-14 tax year;

• gave your employer medical evidence of your pregnancy and told them of the date when you intended to stop work and start claiming SMP; and

• have stopped work.