Maternity Allowance question, can anyone help? X

[LongLiveTheChief]

Hey!

I applied for MA 3 weeks ago, left it a bit late! I asked for it to start on 6th February which is my due date. I've had my supporting documents returned but I just wondered how long it takes to hear from them if they are able to pay out? I've been self employed and employed over the past year or so, filling the form out was hard work! Does anyone know their turn around time? I hate ringing unless I know I have the right to chase a decision so I'd rather know if they have a 4-6 weeks turnaround time for example.

Also, did they write to you to confirm the payments or just start paying?

Thanks xx

I don't remember but I also don't remember it taking long at all. I would ring. Always ring, I've never found HMRC to be unhelpful. Helplines are there for this sort of thing and you are not doing anything wrong but just asking.

When I did mine it was about 4 weeks before I finished work, I got paid out about 3 weeks later and it was all backdated if that helps.

Thank you both. I might give them another week and then see what's happening. It's nice to know that it's not a long wait to hear back from them usually x

When I applied I was told you have to wait 27 days before you will hear from them. A random amount of days if you ask me lol

It came through reasonably quickly I think. Definitely within a month. Although I remember the money arriving in my account before I actually got the letter.

I sent my form off in December and they just got back to me so it took about 4 weeks...they basically confirmed what my payments would be and sent me another (!) form to fill out when I have finished working to confirm the start date. Hope that helps!

Just had mine back too, took about 4-6 weeks I think! Even then because I'm self employed they've awarded me the lowest payment and said NIC will be in touch to pay this year's contributions before they reassess. Same for my other self employed pregnant friend

I applied mid December and mines just been backdated.

There is a back log but you can give them a ring and confirm whether they have your form.

Just out of curiosity what supporting paperwork will you need to provide? Just so I can file it for when I apply. X

Glitter. You need a MATB1 form from midwife. And a form from your employer stating they are not going to give you maternity pay. You also need orginal payslips.

Mine was super quick! I think it was 10 days?

Oh sorry! I should have said if you're self employed 🙈