Late sending MATB1 to employers. Is this going to screw me up financially?

[PavlovtheForgetfulCat]

I got my MATB1 form from my midwife about 3-4 weeks ago and completely forgot to do the paperwork and send it to HR (i work for public sector). Now it says, must be received no later than 15 weeks before EDD (or rather formal medical evidence and notice of pg) in order to claim SMP and the additional work pay that I will be entitled to.

I am now 29 weeks, 11 weeks before my EDD. Have I just effed everything up, or is it down to discretion as to whether they accept it or not? I called HR on friday to ask them but the person was not around to ask, another HR person said send it in asap and they will make sure it is fast tracked to where it needs to go, and she thinks it will be fine, but she does not know.

I have already formally notified them (HR and my line manager) in writing of my pregnancy and EDD, I did this at around 10weeks? Possibly before.

I am panicking that I have just made myself ineligible for SMP!

Problem was, HR sent me the paperwork for completion when I first told them, at 10 wwks ish, I have had a LOT going on since then, after filing it, and when I got the MATB1 form I put it in my pregnancy folder and forget all about it and the paperwork (am not called pavlovtheforgetfulcat for nothing )

Well, I've just sent mine in at 35 weeks! Leave starts in 4 (or less, if baby comes early), but payroll person just emailed me asking politely for MATB1, so I don't think it should be an issue. Hope not, for both our sakes!

I say folder - I am referring to the plastic wallet they give you at the beginning to put your notes in.

I do have a filing cabinet though.

So, it should be ok then. Phew. I hope so.

Plastic wallet??? We get a manila envelope - already v. torn. I've just emailed HR lady, prompted by your message (no bank holiday here) - can you phone HR tomorrow?

I shall call them tomorrow and let them know it is on its way/might even be there by then and to please give me the money!

Where are you?

you won;t have lost your smp. the matb1 is needed by the employer to recover smp from government. obviously the sooner they get it the quicker they get their refund.

Thank you Twinkley! Its just the maternity paperwork said if smp is not awarded, for example medical evidence of pregnancy is not recieved in time (15 weeks before pg) I may be entitled to maternity allowance. It has panicked me!

HR woman not in until tomorrow but I have mailed her.

I'm in Fife - hosp in Dundee, Pavlov.