Maternity Allowance- used 1st class stamp, will they still receive it?

[blibbyblobb]

Hi

So I applied for MA a week ago and posted using first class stamp, not really thinking much of it.. Now i feel like ive used the wrong stamp!

Has anyone used first class stamp and got a response from them? Or can anyone offer any advice on what to do?

Thanks

[Follycastle]

You’ve lost me I’m afraid. Why would that be the wrong stamp?

[JasperJohnsPaintbrush]

Are you thinking that you've used an old-style stamp instead of the new ones with bar codes?

If so it should be ok, as we have until the end of January to use the old style without it causing a problem.

[blibbyblobb]

Apologies for not being clear... I think i shouldve done two 1st class stamps or recorded delivery... I feel the one first class stamp may not be right one for the weight?

I used a4 envelope and had about 25 a4 pages worth of paper? Hope this is clearer


Anyone used first class stamp and got a response from them that they have received the application?

[blibbyblobb]

Saw the below and have started to panic a little

[Follycastle]

Okay, so you should have used a large letter stamp for that size of envelope so you’ve underpaid. They will charge the recipient a fee - £1.50 according to the Royal Mail website.

Your best bet would be to send again, to be honest.

[allgoodthings84]

Like previous poster said A4 is large letter and the thickness of 25 sheets would be over the thickness and weight of just a standard letter size too. I would send again at the post office (so they put the correct postage on) just in case as they may ignore any letters with incorrect postage as I doubt they will pay for them

[blibbyblobb]

Thank you all for your advice. I think I'll re apply and take it to the post office.. Lesson learned

[Bumbleflower]

I sent mine off last week and spoke to them beforehand as I had a query - as an aside they said to post special delivery as they'd had lots go missing/stuck in a postal backlog due to strikes etc. I got a text message the day after I posted saying they'd received it and to expect to hear back in 4 weeks.

[New2Mumming]

I'm in a similar mummy brain predicament- I used 2 first class stamps (my post office is flooded and closed until further notice). Do you think it'll make it there?

[New2Mumming]

I just phoned the DWP Maternity Allowance line and the lady I spoke to didn't see a problem, says they receive stuff with first and second class stamps

[blibbyblobb]

I have beeb advised to send another one.. This time i will take to post office and get it recorded delivery 😂

Has anyone submitted the form without the employers stamp.. My company is small and doesn't have one?

[Owl86]

@New2Mumming Do you know if your claim form arrived safely? I also sent mine today using two stamps, as an equivalent to a 1st class large letter stamp, but now regretting not using a recorded/tracked delivery service!

[New2Mumming]

@Owl86 nooo haven't heard anything :( I phoned twice and spoke to 2 different people, both said a normal stamp is fine and that theres a backlog, may take even a couple of weeks(!!). I wish I'd done recorded too for peace of mind. I'll let you know when and if they get it, please let me know, if yours gets there first I'll assume the worst for mine!

[Owl86]

@New2Mumming Argh, so frustrating! Thanks for letting me know, though - do keep me posted (excuse the pun! 😂) and I'll do vice versa. Fingers crossed...

[blibbyblobb]

@Owl86 @New2Mumming i got a text message about two and half weeks since posting the letter that they have received it... Shame it was the day after i resubmitted it again paying for recorded delivery! But the first attempt didn't have an employer stamp on the SMP1 form whilst second one there was evidence so hopefully be ok 👍🏻

[Owl86]

Hi @blibbyblobb, thanks for letting us know. Is there a chance the text could've related to the resubmitted claim sent by recorded delivery, rather than the original?

Based on what you and @New2Mumming have said, I think I'm going to give it a fortnight before calling the helpline and considering resubmitting via recorded delivery myself.

Hope the rest of the process goes smoothly and you don't have to wait too long for a decision!

[New2Mumming]

@blibbyblobb good to know! Gosh that took a long time. They should put postage guidance on their noted shouldn't they...

[blibbyblobb]

@Owl86 i received a second one the next day.. So have two text messages saying they have received it and will be in touch within 4 weeks.

[Owl86]

@New2Mumming I've just received a text from the DWP saying they've received my claim, so that was a bit of a surprise! Any luck your end yet?

[New2Mumming]

@Owl86 yes, they just texted me! I saw your message first and worried, but all good :)

[Owl86]

@New2Mumming Hooray! They must have known we'd been talking and worrying. 😂

[Owl86]

Hi @blibbyblobb and @New2Mumming, just wondering if either of you have received your decision yet? Nothing here so far.

[New2Mumming]

Heya, yes last week got the decisions, and on Tues money came through! You need to give them a month from when they text you though. Hope it comes through for you, otherwise phone, they're very helpful.

[Owl86]

@New2Mumming Thanks for letting me know and glad your decision came through! I got my text 3 weeks ago saying I should receive a decision within 4 weeks, so I'll give them a call next Thursday if I've still not heard by then. I asked for my first payment to be made in April so maybe my application has been deprioritised compared to others who need the money sooner.

[New2Mumming]

Good luck. I guess I was priority as I was already 3 months pp!