MAT B1 form - confusion!!

[Pia03hj]

Hi - My healthcare provision is split between a number of services as I have to travel so much with work and I spoke to my GP surgery today who agreed its best I book in with GP to collect my MATB1 form - which as far as I was aware and have been advised by other parties inc hospitals, midwife etc, is something that I collect at 20 weeks. However they have just said pick it up at 25 weeks! I'm confused...?

I think they aren't allowed to give it to you before 20 weeks but it's more common to just get it at your next appointment after that point (which is roughly 25 weeks IIRC)

I didn't get mine until after my son was born as no one gave it to me beforehand! I then had to send it off to my employer to get my mat leave paid. Any nurse or doctor I believe can give you one. I got mine from the local BF counsellor as she was also a midwife. Next time I will get one before as for my company they use this to determine when to start your mat leave so if I get one before it will be based on my due date rather than any actualy birth date.

Hi

PipSE - that's my concern exactly - my employer are great but have said their guidelines say I'll be provided with one 20weeks + and all the literature I have says the same. I'm taking early mat leave as need to take it easy so getting organised and trying to sort out sooner rather than later...

Got my free prescriptions card already - touch wood no need to use it thus far...

My next appt is due at 20weeks so just thought it made sense...?!? Plus my midwives [I have never seen the same one more than one] keep referring to 20wks!

If you have an appointment at 20 weeks just ask your mw for it then...it's a very basic form and she'll fill it in there and then.

MW will have a stack of them and it will take 30 secs to fill in

so if work guidlines say 20+ weeks thats when you will provide it as 25weeks is +

I only got my MATB1 yesterday (I'm 32 weeks) and only because I remembered to ask my midwife for it. I don't know why I'd assumed that I'd automatically get one at 20 weeks. My employer have been hassling me for it too and, like you, I didn't know whether I should be chasing my GP or the midwife. Anyway, I asked the midwife yesterday and she had a form which she filled out then and there. It only took a sec. Your GP should be able to just leave one at reception for you. Seems like a bit of a palaver to have to make an appointment to get the form.

needs to be done before u plan to leave as your work will need it to work out when you can actually start mat leave. i must have got mine around about 24 /25 weeks as i planned to leave early december (30 weeks) but gave birth at 29 weeks so mat leave started the day i gave birth....then they ask for yet another form to PROVE you gave birth.....nope i was faking it!

Thanks for the feedback and appreciation on what should be such a simple thing!

I guess it doesnt help having an employer who reads their literature so closely they are telling ME that it says I get it at 20 weeks [or anytime after].

Going to ring up GP and ask for one to be left if possible...

Pia03hj - I had the same problem with my employer (Except they didn't know when I could get it). I took my Mat leave the earliest I could (11 weeks before EDD) and got the MATB1 when I was 25 weeks pg. I simply wrote to them telling them when I was planning on take my AL and Mat Leave - and told them I'd give them the form as soon as I had it. They were fine with that (even though genernally they're cr*p)