maternity to Illness benefit??

HI there,
I have a quick question. I am on maternity leave at the moment and I have just put my back out. My doc said to me yesterday that I may not be able to go back to work for a while yet (due back mid oct)....What should I do? Im on Maternity benefit from the state so work arent paying me and wouldnt be paying me sick pay. Do I let them know now that I may not be back to work when required?(I have to give them 4 weeks notice of my intentions). Do I start the ball rolling on claiming sick pay? Or by doing this am I being a bit presumptious in the fact that I may not be back to work and having it look like its all preplanned?? Its all very confusing for me?
Also is Illness benefit means tested? If it is then I doubt I'll get a whole lot anyway.
Thanks for any replies

I assume your 4 weeks notice refers to whether you wish to take unpaid maternity leave? I would imagine that if you are not returning to work when your maternity leave ends because of illness then that would be different. Perhaps you should phone the HR people and let them know that you may not be returning as planned. Will your employer keep your job open for you indefinitely if you are unable to work due to illness? You will no longer be protected by maternity legislation once your maternity leave ends. (I am open to correction on this)
With regard to illness benefit, if you qualify through your stamps it is not means-tested but is taxable after the first 6 weeks.
Sybil

thanks for your reply Mrs Vimes. I presumed I had to give them 4 weeks notice regardless of weather I am returning to work or not..as in stay at home mother etc. Anyway yea I'll give them a ring to let them know....I know my job isnt very secure if i do take sick leave...but if thats the way they want to do it then so be it! Im sure I wouldnt be out that long anyway. I think thats gas how its taxable after 6 weeks...what next lol. Thanks again