Maternity Pay Nightmare
 

Hi,

My partner is currently trying to get maternity pay as she had a baby last month, but we are simply going around in circles.

Neither of us speak Spanish and every time we go to the INSS office they either:

a: Look at us as if we are stupid
b: Shout at us

We have submitted all the paperwork yet again today and thought we were getting somewhere. At the end of the appointment I tried to ask the guy when the first payment would be made using google translate to help. He just shook his head and gave us a "Comprobante de registro electronico", which appears to be to register for an online account with the INSS.

However, when I try to register there it asks for a "No. de solicitud". I have found this on the paperwork he gave us, but it is 10 digits long and the website only allows 9 digits.

Does anyone know if there is a way to speak to the INSS in English? After waiting 6 weeks so far to get some money things are starting to become desperate.

Re: Maternity Pay Nightmare
 

It might be a good start to take a translator with you. It might cost you 25 Euro or so but it would be worth it.

Steve

Re: Maternity Pay Nightmare
 

Get an interpreter.

Do you think you would be able to claim benefits in UK speaking only Spanish?

Re: Maternity Pay Nightmare
 

If we had the money we would get an interpreter today. Unfortunately, after 6 weeks of no help whatsoever, we are now left with about 150 euros to live on.

Yes, I would expect to be able to get benefits in the Uk if I only spoke Spanish, due to the fact that this right is enshrined in European law. Just the same as the hospitals, where they have posters up for the free translation service yet the doctors completely refuse to use it.

Re: Maternity Pay Nightmare
 

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Re: Maternity Pay Nightmare
 

150 euros left? How did you manage before that and I would seriously consider if it's worth staying then.

Re: Maternity Pay Nightmare
 

I don't know the ins and outs of maternity pay, but 'comprobante' usually refers to a proof of some kind - a kind of receipt to show something that has been done or paid. Beyond that I can't guess as I don't know either what paperwork is required or what paperwork you presented.

Hopefully there's someone here who has done this before and can give you a hand but you might really need to think about a translator unless you have a kind spanish friend who can go with you.

Re: Maternity Pay Nightmare
 

+1
@DanHal: Even if the INSS grants some kind of "pay" after the birth, if Spain is like France, it would only be a one-off sum, which wouldn't go far (I've forgotten the amount I received, but it was quickly spent on nappies and other essentials in the first month). Family Allowances as such are usually paid monthly only after the second child, and payments are made to the mother, even if she's married.... Some one who has given birth in Spain will correct me if this isn't applicable to Spain!
It doesn't sound as though either of you is working, and, for your child's sake, you'd do best to seriously consider moving (back to the UK?) where you'd have less hassle getting benefits and other help.

Re: Maternity Pay Nightmare
 

Have you tried here?

https://www.citizensadvice.org.es/

Re: Maternity Pay Nightmare
 

If things are so bad go to the local church. The priest will most likely have loads of contacts of the English speaking variety and maybe able to guide you better than the more formal services.

Just a thought.

Re: Maternity Pay Nightmare
 

If the worst were to come to the worst. Go and sit in the casualty dept with the mother and child and refuse to move until practical help is provided. Do not expect to be thanked by the staff though.

Re: Maternity Pay Nightmare
 

Could your wife's employer, or a work mate, help?

Re: Maternity Pay Nightmare
 

This is probably a dumb comment because you will most likely have tried it but will it not accept the first 9 digits? The final digit of computer generated reference numbers is often a "check digit" and not always required.

Not very clear what exactly what benefit you are trying to claim. "Maternity pay" sounds like the salary her employer would pay her while she's on maternity leave but you wouldn't be claiming via the social security office would you. Is she an autonomo?

Re: Maternity Pay Nightmare
 

There is a prestación for maternity, and yes, it's claimed through the SS office.

Re: Maternity Pay Nightmare
 

This must be the same as the "prestation" in France, but you don't have to claim it, the S.S. sets it all in motion as soon as the pregnancy has been officially declared, and it's paid automatically. To get it, you have to have undergone all the compulsory tests and examinations.
The OP hasn't said whether this is so for his gf, nor whether she has been working and contributing into the System. Nor where she gave birth...
Likewise to me, "maternity pay" is what the employer pays the employee during her maternity leave and has nothing to do with any prestations from the S.S.
Whatever, their situation is precarious and, if they intend to stay on regardless, they should seek help/advice from the Social Services in their Town Hall. If the OP gives his location, a BE member in the area may be able to give pointers for a free interpreter.