Maternity Allowance

[Honeydukesmum]

Has any one recently sent application? How long until you heard back etc? It suggests not calling for 4 weeks but has any one been longer/quicker?

Thanks ladies

Maternity Allowance that is

I think I heard back within a couple of weeks but this was over a decade ago.
Covid will mean delays so don't worry if it takes 4 weeks, I'd chase it up if you don't hear back after 6 weeks.

I claimed last year and there was a HUGE backlog, it was about 12-14 weeks

Hi OP. I put a claim in around 2 months ago and got my application accepted within 2-3 weeks so thank God for me it didn't take that long at all.

I’d heard there was a 14 week delay early last year so was a bit 🤔 about how long etc. I only sent today as just got mat b1 ( 29 weeks ) so it’s still time and thankfully we aren’t dependent on it but will definitely help a lot when comes. I’ve only ever had maternity pay previously by old employer (nhs) so this is all new.

Thanks every one x

I got a text confirming receipt within 3 days and a further one asking for more information (they actually lost my MatB1, I had to get a duplicate!) about 2 weeks later. Sent the duplicate off sharpish and hoping the backlog isn't that bad.

@elfran I think that’s what makes me more concerned if there a delay and then they need more info sent after etc.
Hope you get yours through soon 🤞😌

In this day and age you would think there would be a way to do online etc but I’m glad have just met requirements so I won’t complain . Hoping all filled in ok 🤞

I sent mine off 10 weeks ago and still no word. I called up today and told me could be another few weeks

It’s a bit annoying if there is a big delay since you have to wait until you’re 26 weeks to apply. It also says you can start receiving payments 11 weeks before the baby is due.

Hope you hear back soon.

They said on phone as I’m now a sahm and not working they will start it from 29 weeks so will be backdated to then when it’s processed . They couldn’t say how long though just not to call until 4weeks had passed 🙈

@DivaRainbow hope you hear soon . Will it still come in time for you?

I had a text saying expect 4 weeks, took 2 weeks. Came through the post a few weeks ago.

I applied early January, got a text confirming receipt on the 11/01, saying decision to be made within 4 weeks. First payment made late January. So really quick process, maybe different regions have larger backlogs.

I got a confirmation text that they'd received my application on the 17th Feb (I sent it next day delivery on the 16th Feb). Text said I'd have decision from them within 4 weeks. Received that confirmation Sunday 28th Feb. So 11 days in total. Will receive first payment within 10 working days.

I’ll post progress in case any one comes to this for a March application too x

Text received to say dwp received claim and will receive decision within 4 weeks. So 🤞now and I’ll come back to say how it goes x

@PatMustardsBigTool ( and any one else ) I just had the 1 original payslip returned by secure delivery ( others were e prints as originals were misplaced by work when on Mat leave ) . Did you get the mat b1 sent back ? Just wondering if they keep hold or should check they have it as was sent in . Assuming they didn’t think I need the e print outs back.

@Honeydukesmum I haven't had anything back yet. Not sure if we get the MatB1 or not, can't remember from the last two times, although those were for SMP and not allowance so could be different? Don't think it would be though. My payslips were also e-pay slips print outs so doubt they'd send those back. 🤷‍♀️

@PatMustardsBigTool thanks for reply :) smp so much simpler 🙈
I think I’ll assume they have kept the mat b1 form and e printed payslips etc.

I applied in Jan and started getting payments in Feb

@Phie04 did they send mat b1 back?

@Honeydukesmum Annoyingly no, you need to scan it to keep it for your own records incase you need it.

@Phie04 thank you I have copied it :) just confused why they sent 1 original payslip back and not the other bits I sent but hoping it because they were printed ( letter from hr, 2 e payslips and the mat b1 original ) . Just nervous they lost it but if no one gets mat b1 back it sounds normal

@Honeydukesmum yes they sent my payslips back but nothing else! It doesn't make sense.