Just wondered if anyone knew if I am right or wrong. According to my employer because i dont pay any NI contributions, due to me not earning enough (i only work 16 hours) i am only entitled to 6 weeks maternity pay at 90% of my wage. I was convinced that this was wrong and so did some investigations.

I now beleive that although i do not pay NI contributions, because my weekly earnings are more than lower rate earnings, i am considered as paying NI even tho i dont. This means that i am entitled to the full 39 weeks SMP but because my earnings are less than SMP i will get 90% of my wage for 39 weeks. Also i have worked for my current employer continuously for the past 6 years.

Sorry if its a bit long winded and if av confused anyone. Just wondered if there was anyone else who works part time, paying no NI contributions and their situation with SMP.

You can get Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) for up to 39 weeks, as long as you meet the conditions. To qualify you must have been:

employed by the same employer continuously (some breaks do not interrupt continuous employment) for at least 26 weeks into the 15th week before the week your baby is due; and earning an average of at least £90 a week (before tax)

have been (employed or self employed) for at least 26 of the 66 weeks before the week your baby was due (a part week counts as a full week)
earned an average of £30 over any 13 of those 66 weeks

If you dont qualify for SMP you will get Maternity Allowance, the standard rate of MA is £117.18 or 90 per cent of your average weekly earnings, whichever is less. MA is paid for up to 39 weeks; it is not liable to income tax or NI contributions.
Check out this web site:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Moneyandworken-titlements/Parentalleaveandpay/DG_10029290

Best of luck...Sharon 33+4wk pink bump x

I'm afraid, but you can contact the citizen's advice!! They'd know exactly where you stand on all of this!!