Maternity Allowance - How long does it take?

[NoseyHelen]

Just wondering how long maternity allowance takes to come through.

Does it make a difference to the time if you are self-employed and do different offices process applications quicker.

[mustsleep]

no idea bt will bumo this for you as i am waiting to hear about mine

[ellideb]

You need to send your actual claim in asap, sometime in your 2nd trimester I think, once its approved they will send you out another form that you have to fill in and send off from when you actually finish working. This will take a few days to process and then I've been told that they pay you a fortnight in arrears. I will be sending off my 2nd part this friday as that is when I will be finishing work. I don't think it should take too long but you know how these government organisations are!

[NoseyHelen]

I only received my MATB1 form at my 34 week appointment.

Last time it was processed quickly and I suspect that's because as a self-employed person they can check my NI status very quickly.

I've heard stories of it taking up to 4 months and wondered if that was certain offices. Despite being London based I've had to send my form to Wrexham whilst last time it was a mile down the road (and quick).

[ellideb]

4 months! Gawd! I hope not, my DP will be sending me out begging!