Get statutory maternity pay

This is the standard kind of maternity pay. It comes from your employer, and there are 3 steps to getting it:

• tell your employer you’re pregnant
• confirm your pregnancy with a form or letter from your doctor or midwife – you’ll need to do this at least 15 weeks before your due date
• give your employer at least 28 days’ notice of when you’d like your maternity pay to start

You can do most of this at the same time you arrange your maternity leave.

You’ll be paid by your employer in the same way you get your usual pay. You can check how much you’ll get in advance.

Telling your employer you’re pregnant

Once you’re happy to tell your employer you’re pregnant (for example, after your 12-week scan) it’s best to let them know in writing, and to keep a copy.

After you tell your employer you’re pregnant you’re entitled to rights while you’re pregnant at work. These rights include protection from discrimination and paid time off for antenatal appointments.

Confirming your pregnancy and due date

To get your maternity pay, you’ll need to give your employer proof that you’re pregnant. Your proof should also show your due date. You should do this at least 15 weeks before your due date. You can show them either:

• a maternity certificate (form MATB1) that you’ll get from your midwife or doctor after your 20-week scan
• a letter from your doctor or midwife

Get contractual maternity pay

Contractual maternity pay is an extra benefit some employers offer. It’s paid in the same way as your normal pay.

Check your contract or ask your employer what you need to do, as it could be different from getting statutory maternity pay. For example, you might need to repay some contractual maternity pay if you don’t go back to work after your maternity leave.

You might also be able to get details from a staff handbook or your union or staff association.  

If you’d like help understanding your contractual maternity pay or have problems getting it from your employer, 

Get Maternity Allowance

You might be able to claim Maternity Allowance from the government if you can’t get statutory or contractual maternity pay. You can apply using the Maternity Allowance claim form – the form tells you where to send it.

If you’re claiming Maternity Allowance because your employer has said they won’t give you statutory maternity pay, there’s some extra paperwork. Your employer should have given you a form called ‘SMP1’, saying why they won’t pay statutory maternity pay. You’ll need to send this with with your claim form.