Claiming Maternity Allowance/ Maternity Pay

[Aani]

Dear All,

I delivered my 1st baby on 24th July 2011. I haven't claimed any Maternity allowance/pay till today as I wasn't aware about it. I just came to knew that Maternity Pay/allowance does not come under Public funds (I am on Tier 1).

I was employed till 31st March 2011 after which I took Maternity leave. I had been contributing to NI till 31st of March.

After reading the policy guidance http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/spec ... maternity/

to get the Maternity Pay from my employer I understood that I must be employed for 26 weeks before the qualifying week.

I am eligible to get the Maternity pay. I have the MATB1 form as well received from GP.

I approached my previous employer asking about the Maternity Pay. He is yet to revert back to me.

Could experts and senior members suggest me

1. Can i claim Maternity pay/Maternity allowance NOW? (I bacame redundant and I lost my job now, if I get any help it will be really useful)

Thanks & Regards,
Aani