Maternity Allowance - has anyone claimed recently?

[afternoontwee]

I received a text from DWP on 3rd July to let me know my claim has been received and that they would contact within 6 weeks with a decision. I know it’s just over halfway through that time period now, but has anyone claimed MA recently and knows roughly how long it took to process theirs? I’m having a panic that there will be an issue with it (no reason that there would be... but with 5 weeks to go before EDD I’m concerned it’s cutting it a bit fine).

Hi,

I sent my form off on the 7th June I then received the same text on the 10th June and didn't hear anything until I received a letter 18th July saying that I am entitled and that the backdated payments would be on my account within 5-10 working days, they arrived within 3 😊
Hope this helps.

Amazing, thank you! Waiting for the letter to arrive feels like it’s taking forever, reassuring to know that it’s not just me it took a while for

I’m being induced on Saturday and I’ve completely forgotten to apply 🙈 I have read that there is a big back log atm though - I might get some money when the baby is a few months old at this rate lol x

Mine was sorted pretty much at the 6 week mark - very stressful!

They did reassure me that when I called to chase that if it did run over that they would always backdate so you wouldn't miss out on any of the money you are entitled to.

I got my confirmation text on 3rd july too op. Nothing else since. Not had payslips back have you?

@ivegotthedecaf no nothing back as of yet. Literally just that text!

Ah well hopefully we will hear back soon

It took 6 weeks for me to get my letter confirming I'm entitled. Totally forgot I had sent them payslips, haven't got those back yet!

If you do have to chase them, or want to double check, I found them really really nice and helpful over the phone.

I was expecting it to be a nightmare on the phone but I think they've purposely got really nice reasurring people on the maternity line.

@coral13 I might be being a bit dense, whereabouts do you chase them up? Through the Jobcentre call line?

@afternoontwee I think I googled it. There is a specific maternity allowance number.

An update for anyone claiming MA at the mo - I spoke to a call handler today about my claim who told me that the usual 6 week wait is being affected by a backlog, so it’s more like 8 weeks at the moment. Hoping this helps anyone in the same position waiting around for the letter!

I sent my forms off Monday and this morning received a text saying it had been received and I will hear in 8 weeks....