maternity allowance

Hi,

My wife is in TIER 2 dependent visa and pregnant and I am currently having ILR. Her company told her she is not eligible for statutory maternity pay. However, she qualify for Maternity Allowance.

my questions are

1) can she have Maternity allowance under tier 2 dependent visa?

2) is maternity allowance a public fund?

3)If above is fine for her and she can get Maternity allowance will this effect her future visa or no?

Thank you

From my friends experience

1) can she have Maternity allowance under tier 2 dependent visa? YES

2) is maternity allowance a public FUND? NO

3)If above is fine for her and she can get Maternity allowance will this effect her future visa or NO? NO