Mat B1 issued before 26 weeks - problem?

[economymode]

Hello,
I'm 22 weeks pregnant and my midwife issued my mat b1 this morning. But I've just read it and it says that it shouldn't be issued more than 14 weeks before the baby is due, ie 26 weeks.

Anyone know if this is a hard and fast rule? Will it cause problems when claiming maternity allowance?

You usually get it around 25 weeks. It's fine don't worry x

I got mine at my 24 week appointment and gave it straight to my work. They said it was fine to hand it in then.

I git mine at just 22 weeks... My work had already chased me on getting it in!! So i certainly hope i wont be penalised for it

Loads of places give it out at the appointment following the 20 week scan so don't worry.

Probably it's a slightly old form, used to be issued at 26 weeks now can be issued from 20 weeks. But there are still some of the old forms floating about the place. So no problem whatsoever.

It can be issued from 20 weeks. Look at direct.gov.uk

Thanks all. For some reason this thread has posted twice, so double the reassurance! Sounds like I do have an old form.

For statutory pay at work we had to Hand in no later than the end of 25th week so I chased midwife for it!

I was going to ask why it can't be issued before 20 weeks, but just found DWP guidance for HCPs:

"It is particularly important that certificates are issued only when you are satisfied that your patient is in fact pregnant. Certificates must not be issued more than 20 weeks before the expected week of confinement."

Fair enough

But confinement? It goes on and on about confinement! Not sure whether to laugh raucously or throw up. Why can't they talk about 'birth'?