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?

It will be fine I got mine at 24 weeks as my work were pressuring me for it .

Mine says 'not before 20 weeks' on it.

I think it's just to make sure you've had all your anomaly scans and are definitely pregnant!

It just means you can't apply for MA before 26 weeks. Don't worry!

Thanks all.

Poppy, just confused as it says (on the midwife's part): Do not fill this in more than 14 weeks before the week when the baby is expected.

This is my second pregnancy and am sure my first mat b1 said not before 20 weeks - thought they might have changed the rules. Odd that yours said 20 weeks, giraffe.

I picked mine up yesterday (am 22 weeks) and mine also says not before 20 weeks on it too. Would be difficult if I couldn't get it before 26 weeks as I have to give it to my HR dept by 25 weeks.

Part of me thinks it used to be 26 weeks (or at least something later) so maybe your MW is still using up old forms?

Should be fine. Your lucky to have such an organized MW i'm 27 weeks and still waiting for mine!!!