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Original poster

UK maternity Allowance

2 replies

Coreylouiseb · 06/12/2025 15:45

I am employed but was rejected for SMP as I didn’t qualify by 13 days due to starting a new job. I have had it confirmed after my application I am entitled to the full Maternity Allowance. It came with a confirmation form to return once I have worked my final day before maternity leave. I filled this out and posted it back to DWP on Tuesday. I haven’t heard anything back I just wondered if anyone knew how long after this final notification is submitted that it takes for the payments to begin? I am just a bit concerned that my last pay day was 25th November and my bills are due end of December.

OP posts:
NaranjaDreams · 06/12/2025 15:47

You usually get a text when they start processing it with the amount of time it’ll take. Mine was 6 - 8 weeks, but that was in March. Whatever it says it’s usually pretty accurate.

You could look and see if you’ll be eligible for UC, but you’d have a 5 week wait before your first payment, and MA is considered unearned income and deducted in full, so when that kicks in, you won’t be any better off.

Original poster
Coreylouiseb · 06/12/2025 15:49

NaranjaDreams · 06/12/2025 15:47

You usually get a text when they start processing it with the amount of time it’ll take. Mine was 6 - 8 weeks, but that was in March. Whatever it says it’s usually pretty accurate.

You could look and see if you’ll be eligible for UC, but you’d have a 5 week wait before your first payment, and MA is considered unearned income and deducted in full, so when that kicks in, you won’t be any better off.

Thanks so much for your response - jheeze! That is a very long time with no financial support when they make you wait until your last day to be able to apply 😟! Xx

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