LRD guides and handbook March 2015

State benefits and tax credits 2015

Chapter 4

Statutory Maternity Pay

[ch 4: page 58]

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 £112.00 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 2015-16 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.