Am I entitled to maternity pay as an umbrella contractor?

If you’re expecting or planning on starting a family, you might be wondering if you’re entitled to maternity pay before you sign up with an umbrella provider. In this article, we explore your options as an umbrella contractor so you can make the best decision for you and your loved ones. 

What is maternity pay?

In the UK, you can get Statutory Maternity Pay for a maximum of 39 weeks (this can start any date up to 11 weeks before your due date) to help. During the first 6 weeks, you are entitled to 90% of your average weekly salary, and then £156.66 for the following 33 weeks.

Who’s eligible? 

In order to qualify for statutory maternity pay, you must:

• Make minimum £123 a week
• Provide proof that you’re pregnant (e.g. a letter from your doctor/midwife). 
• Give your employer notice (at least 15 weeks before your due date). 
• You must have been employed by the same company for the last 26 weeks.

What about umbrella contractors?

This is where it gets complicated. As an umbrella contractor, you are technically considered a full time employee by the government. This means you are entitled to the same benefits as a PAYE employer, including maternity pay. However, each umbrella’s policy differs so it’s best to ask them directly if you have any queries. If, for whatever reason, you don’t qualify for maternity pay through your umbrella then you can apply for maternity allowance. 

Remember, legitimate umbrellas will always have some sort of support system in place for pregnant contractors. 

Next steps? 

Once your pregnancy has been confirmed by a medical professional, it is important to make your umbrella company aware. If you don’t then you won’t be able to claim any maternity-related benefits. 

Questions? Get in touch with the Mint Umbrella team today on 0203 967 6846. 

If you’re looking to sign up with us as a contractor, click here.