MatB1 Form

[Newmumtobeee]

I was wondering if anyone had a similar concern or could provide me with some answers! I’ve tried googling it but unsure if it’s definitive for all workplaces. I’m 23wk +2 and due to covid, haven’t ever met my midwife. I’m meant to have an appointment at 25 weeks when she comes to my house (if that is still possible). Will she bring a MatB1 Form with her or do I need to ring & request it before the appointment? Does my workplace need it before 25 weeks?

I got given mine at my 25 week appointment so would expect her to bring it. My workplace I think just follows the government guidelines so if your workplace does the same then they will need to know the date of the start of your mat leave 15 weeks before you plan to take it. I just gave them my form at 25 weeks as that had the date the midwife estimated and I plan to take it from the birth. If you plan to take a week or two off before the baby is born then you'll need to let them know early but check your employee handbook in case your workplace differs from the norm.

Sorry that was quite a ramble for - yes she probably will bring it and yes that's probably when your workplace will need it.

You have to give the MATB1 to your employer by 25 weeks latest, it's important because it triggers the process to get your maternity pay. My midwife said she would bring it to my appointment at 24 weeks, but when I said I was worried that was cutting it fine she said she could issue it earlier and leave at the GP reception for me to collect. I think you should just ring her and ask ASAP. They can issue it after 22 weeks.

@Tarantallegra @FTM91Thank you both! Just struggling lately to get any communication or answers because of lockdown. I’ll try and ring Monday to see what they suggest & double check whether they’ll bring it at my appointment or get it issued sooner!

Sorry I meant @FTM91

No they don't need your MatB1 by week 25. All they need at that point is you telling them you're pregnant and when you want leave to start. The MatB1 can be handed in after that

From .gov website:

You need to give your employer proof of the pregnancy to getSMP. You do not need it for maternity leave.

Within 21 days of yourSMPstart date (or as soon as possible if the baby’s born early) give your employer either:

• a letter from your doctor or midwife
• your MATB1 certificate - doctors and midwives will give you this no more than 20 weeks before the due date

You have to give the MATB1 to your employer by 25 weeks latest,

No, you don't.

I didn't get my MATB1 form until my telephone consultation appointment at 24 weeks, my midwife just sent it out to me in the post, it arrived a few days later.

I was given mine at my 25 week midwife appointment. I didn't need to remind anybody, the midwife brought it up. And my workplace told me I needed to give them a copy 'as soon as I had it', with the indication of no rush / timescale. I think the deadline is 28 days before you intend to start mat leave!

I was in a similar situation to you op, in that at 24 weeks I’d not seen a midwife, I did have to pop in for a blood test though so requested it it then and I was given it. I mentioned to HR that due to current lockdown etc I wouldn’t be able to get my Matb1 to them in the required timeframe and they said it wasn’t a problem as long as payroll get it before I leave on maternity. They also accepted a photo of the form was We’re working from home and I didn’t want to post in case it got lost.