HELP Civil Service Maternity Pay

[AnotherEllie]

Hello
I am starting with the Civil Service in the next few months and I am trying to understand the maternity policy but don't yet have access to the actual policy.

Does anyone know what the current rules are to be eligible for full maternity pay are? I've seen 52 weeks Service, 40 weeks Service and 6 months by the due date so I am a bit confused.

My home department will be the Cabinet Office if that helps!

Grateful for any advice as we are thinking of ttc again but want to make sure we don't miss out on any benefits.

[Isla91]

So I have worked for the Civil Service for 15months now and due to go on Maternity at the very beginning of June - I am struggling to understand the maternity policy wording of the following for my entitlement to full maternity pay for 6 months:

"Have completed a minimum of 12 months qualifying service with the department during the 24 months up to and including the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth"

Could anybody clarify what this means?

Thank you in advance

[AnotherNC22]

52 weeks in my central Whitehall department, which has not been mentioned already on this thread. Where does your friend work? Is it def a central dept or is it NDPB or ALB?

[AnotherEllie]

@Bella9992 this is really helpful! Thank you! I am going to request the policy too to confirm 100% but have seen a few places saying the same thing so seems to be the case.

[Bella9992]

Meant to add, if you are going to wait to try to time it make sure you get the benefits, make sure you work out the dates (sorry if that sounds stupid). I know someone who did this but didn't realise EDD was worked out from the last period, they fell pregnant straight away and wasn't under the policy as it came under the 1 year service.

[Bella9992]

Agree with a previous poster, I've worked in different departments and only ever seen being in service for 52 weeks.
Just checked my current policy and it says you must have 1 years continuous Gov service at the expected week of childbirth.

[buttercuplizzy]

I would add that I joined the CS whilst 16 weeks pregnant with my first and although I wasn't entitled to the pay related benefits, they were really good in general about my pregnancy. :)

[AnotherEllie]

@buttercuplizzy thanks for the reply! That's really useful to know. Will try and see if I can find confirmation anywhere!

[buttercuplizzy]

@AnotherEllie

Thanks for your reply @buttercuplizzy. Where is your info from please? I have a friend in one department who has advised the time required is much shorter so I am a bit confused about what is correct. I understand terms changed quite recently but not sure if it applies to all departments or just select ones!

This is my 3rd pregnancy whilst a Civil servant. I have worked around quite a few departments (DWP, CO, HMRC to name a few) and all have been 1 year of service. I would say though that different departments can have different terms and conditions and I do not currently work for CO. Ca

[AnotherEllie]

Thanks for your reply @buttercuplizzy. Where is your info from please? I have a friend in one department who has advised the time required is much shorter so I am a bit confused about what is correct. I understand terms changed quite recently but not sure if it applies to all departments or just select ones!

[buttercuplizzy]

Its 52 weeks service to recieve the full entitlement of 6 months full pay, 13 weeks Statutory and 13 weeks unpaid.