06/10/2024
Hey All!
Still no Bambino 2, currently 37 + 2 and feeling ready to meet her! I have an hour currently to do a few bits and bobs and thought a post about HMRC maternity allowance for self employed mamas may help as I certainly didn't know about this nor how long the process takes.
Anyone self employed can access 9 months SMP maternity pay from the government at two rates £27 a week (if you've made no NI contributions or £187 a week (if you have) you can apply from 24 weeks pregnant and request the form from the HMRC website (I did this at 23 weeks so I could send it at exactly 24 weeks)
Now here's the tricky parts, I'll share my story to help those who may be going through this process shortly.
Monday 8th July - I called HMRC to ask to pay NI contributions as I hadn't done it the previous tax year so that I would be entitled³ to the higher rate. On this call I was ensured that I was up to date and didn't need to contribute. Fantastic! (Must of been my mistake)
Week of Monday 8th July - I was 24 weeks, I filled in my form and put it in the post on Sunday 14th July. The time expected to hear back is 4 weeks.
7 weeks passed by and I had heard nothing except they had recieved my application and no need to contact.
At 32 weeks, Monday 2nd September I called Department of work and pensions and HMRC to see what was happening. They said they are running behind but shouldn't be much longer.
I had asked for my first payment to be on the 2nd September, having not been paid for work since JULY and beginning to struggle.
Another week passed and I finally got my letter confirming I was entitled only it stated I was only allowed the lower rate of £27! (After calling in July) I rang DWP again and asked to pay was told I couldn't pay until I had letter from HMRC with the reference. Into another week....
34 weeks pregnant I recieve my letter inviting me to pay NI I do so immediately via bank transfer (that is an option) a few days later I recieved my letter confirming my higher rate acceptance, I sign and send in post (only choice) the same day.
36 weeks I recieve confirmation that I will be entitled to the higher rate of SMP. Continued in comments....
