How to Claim Maternity Pay in the UK: Step-by-Step Process for Eligibility and Application Guidance

Claiming maternity pay in the UK can feel confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. You can get maternity pay by informing your employer about your pregnancy, providing proof like your due date, and filling out the correct forms, such as the SMP1 if needed. Knowing exactly what steps to take will help you get the money you’re entitled to without unnecessary delays.

Your employer plays an important role in the process, but if they cannot pay you statutory maternity pay, you may need to claim maternity allowance from the government. Understanding the difference between these options and how to apply will make the process clearer and easier for you.

This guide breaks down the step-by-step process so you can follow what’s required with confidence. You’ll learn which forms to complete, how to submit proof, and where to find support to secure your maternity pay quickly.

Eligibility Criteria for Maternity Pay

You must meet specific rules based on your job and how much you have worked to qualify for maternity pay. These rules cover different types of maternity benefits, including statutory maternity pay and maternity allowance. Your employment status also affects what you can claim.

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) Requirements

To get Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP), you must have worked for your employer for at least 26 weeks by the 15th week before your baby is due. You also need to earn at least £123 per week (before tax) on average during the 8 weeks leading up to that date.

You must give your employer proof of pregnancy, usually by providing a maternity certificate (MAT B1) from your midwife or doctor. SMP pays 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, then £172.48 or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is less) for up to 33 weeks.

Maternity Allowance Eligibility

If you do not qualify for SMP, you might get Maternity Allowance instead. This is usually for those who are self-employed, recently left a job, or do not earn enough for SMP.

To get it, you must have worked or been self-employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your due date. You need to have earned at least £30 per week for 13 of those weeks. Maternity Allowance pays up to £172.48 a week for up to 39 weeks.

Occupational and Enhanced Maternity Pay

Some employers offer occupational or enhanced maternity pay (OMP). This pay is extra and depends on your workplace’s policy or contract.

OMP usually requires you to meet similar work and earnings rules as SMP. It provides more money or longer pay periods than SMP. Check your employment contract or ask your HR department to find out if you qualify and how much you will be paid.

Employment Status: Employed and Self-Employed

Your employment status decides which maternity pay you can claim. If you are employed, you can apply for SMP and may get OMP if your employer offers it.

If you are self-employed or recently stopped working, you usually cannot claim SMP. Instead, you may get Maternity Allowance. This helps people who do not fit SMP rules but still need financial support during pregnancy.

Knowing your employment type is crucial for understanding your maternity pay options.

How to Apply for Statutory Maternity Pay

To claim Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP), you need to meet specific rules about your earnings and work history. This includes calculating your average weekly earnings, knowing your qualifying week and test period, and understanding the role of your payslips and National Insurance contributions. You may also need to fill in the SMP1 form if your employer cannot pay you.

Calculating Average Weekly Earnings

Your average weekly earnings (AWE) determine if you qualify for SMP and how much you get. To find your AWE, your employer looks at your total pay before tax during an 8-week test period. This period ends with the qualifying week, which is 15 weeks before your baby’s due date.

Include regular wages and bonuses, but exclude overtime or benefits in kind. If your earnings are below the Lower Earnings Limit (LEL), you won’t qualify for SMP. Your payslips can help verify your earnings.

Test Period and Qualifying Week

The qualifying week is the 15th week before your baby is due. Your test period is the 8 weeks that end on the Sunday of this week. You must have been employed for at least 26 weeks by this time to qualify.

If you meet these requirements, your employer uses your earnings in this test period to calculate your SMP. It’s important to tell your employer about your pregnancy by this point.

SMP1 Form and What to Do if You Do Not Qualify

If you do not qualify for SMP, your employer will give you an SMP1 form. This form confirms you do not meet the rules for SMP. You can use it to claim Maternity Allowance instead.

You should keep a copy of the SMP1 form. You will need it when applying for Maternity Allowance through Jobcentre Plus or the government website. Your employer must provide this form as soon as they know you don’t qualify.

Lower Earnings Limit and National Insurance Contributions

The Lower Earnings Limit (LEL) is the minimum weekly pay that you must earn to qualify for SMP. For the 2024-2025 tax year, this limit is £123 per week. If your earnings are below the LEL, you won’t be eligible.

National Insurance contributions you pay also impact your eligibility. You must have paid enough NI contributions in the test period to qualify. Using your payslips, you and your employer can check if you meet these criteria.

How to Claim Maternity Allowance

You need to follow specific steps and provide the right paperwork to claim Maternity Allowance. Knowing when your pay run starts and how your start date affects your claim is key to getting the allowance on time.

Steps to Claim Maternity Allowance

First, get the Maternity Allowance (MA1) claim form. You can print it online or request one by phone from Jobcentre Plus. Fill in the form carefully with all your details.

Send the completed form along with proof of your pregnancy and details about your work or self-employment. After you send your paperwork, expect a decision within about 20 working days.

You don’t claim Maternity Allowance through your employer. Instead, you apply directly using the official government form.

Required Documentation

You need proof that you’re pregnant, like a MATB1 certificate from your doctor or midwife. This shows your expected week of childbirth and is essential for your claim.

Also, supply evidence of your work history for the last 66 weeks. This can include payslips, letters from employers, or self-employment tax returns.

Make sure all documents are clear and accurate. Missing or incorrect information might delay your application.

Understanding Pay Run and Start Date

Your maternity pay usually begins from the week your baby is due or the week you stop working, whichever comes first. This is your official start date for the pay run.

You can choose a later start date if you prefer, but the claim should cover at least 14 weeks after this date. The end date depends on how long you qualify for Maternity Allowance, usually up to 39 weeks.

Knowing your start date helps you plan your finances during maternity leave and ensures payments arrive when expected.

For more on the claim process, visit the official Maternity Allowance: How to claim page.

Understanding Maternity Leave and Pay Structure

Maternity leave in the UK is divided into different parts that detail how long you can take off and how you are paid. Understanding these parts helps you plan when to start leave and know what payments to expect. The system includes specific timeframes for ordinary and additional leave, plus rules on pay duration and amounts.

Statutory Maternity Leave: Ordinary and Additional

You are entitled to up to 52 weeks of statutory maternity leave. This is split into two parts: Ordinary Maternity Leave (OML) and Additional Maternity Leave (AML). OML lasts for the first 26 weeks after your baby’s birth, and AML extends the leave for another 26 weeks.

You can start your maternity leave any time from 11 weeks before your due date. You must give your employer at least 15 weeks’ notice before your baby is due, stating when you want your leave to begin. This notice helps confirm your leave rights and maternity pay.

Both parts count as continuous leave, meaning if you take the full 52 weeks, you stay away from work the whole time with certain rights to return.

Ordinary Maternity Leave and Additional Maternity Leave Explained

Ordinary Maternity Leave offers full job protection during the 26 weeks after the baby is born. You keep your contract rights and can return to your job or a similar position once OML ends.

Additional Maternity Leave follows OML and lets you stay away for another 26 weeks. You still have job protection, but your employer may have more flexibility in how they manage your return. During AML, you might not receive pay from your employer, but your leave rights remain in place.

If you decide not to take the full AML, you can return to work earlier, but must give proper notice as per your employer’s rules or contract.

Maternity Pay Duration and Payment Structure

You can get Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) for up to 39 weeks. SMP pays:

• 90% of your average weekly earnings (before tax) for the first 6 weeks
• Then, £172.48 or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is less) for the next 33 weeks

Your employer will usually pay SMP in your regular pay cycle.

You need to have worked for your employer continuously for at least 26 weeks by the 15th week before your due date to qualify for SMP. If you don’t qualify, you may be able to claim Maternity Allowance from the government.

Knowing your pay structure helps you plan finances during maternity leave. For more details on how to claim SMP, check the maternity pay and leave guidance.

Employment Rights and Support During Maternity

You have specific rights before, during, and after your maternity leave. These cover your time off, pay, health and safety, and your return to work. Your employer must follow these rules to support you throughout this period.

Maternity Rights and Returning to Work

You can take up to 52 weeks of maternity leave, split into 26 weeks of Ordinary Maternity Leave and 26 weeks of Additional Maternity Leave. Your job is protected during this time. When you return, your employer must offer you your old job or a similar role with the same pay and conditions.

You also keep your right to benefits like holiday pay and pension contributions while on leave. You do not need to have worked for your employer for a set time to qualify for maternity leave rights. Your employer must treat you fairly and not discriminate because of your pregnancy or maternity leave.

Antenatal Appointments and Sickness Absence

You are allowed time off for antenatal appointments during your working hours. Employers must pay you for this time, and you should give them notice when possible. If you are too ill to work because of pregnancy-related issues, this counts as sickness absence.

Any sickness linked to pregnancy must be recorded properly, and your employer should not treat you unfairly because of it. Make sure you communicate clearly about your appointments and health to maintain your rights.

Keeping in Touch Days and Risk Assessment

You can work up to 10 days during your maternity leave without losing your pay. These are called keeping in touch (KIT) days. They are optional and can help you stay connected with your workplace.

Before you start maternity leave, your employer must carry out a risk assessment. It identifies any hazards linked to your role and pregnancy. This may lead to changes in your work duties or hours to keep you safe.

Pension Contributions During Maternity Leave

During your maternity leave, you should still receive pension contributions from your employer. These contributions are based on the pay you receive while on maternity leave, such as Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity Allowance.

If you are on unpaid leave for part of your maternity period, your employer may not have to contribute for that time. Check your pension scheme rules and speak with your employer to understand how your contributions are handled during maternity leave.

Essential Considerations and Guidance

When claiming maternity pay, it is crucial to stay organised and aware of how your payments are tracked. You should also understand how websites might use cookies during the online application to protect your privacy and improve your experience.

Checking Payslips and Record-Keeping

You must carefully check your payslips to confirm that your statutory maternity pay (SMP) is being paid correctly. Your payslips should clearly show the SMP amount as a separate payment from your usual salary.

Keep all payslips from before and during your maternity leave. These documents can help if there is ever a dispute about your payments.

Make a note of any changes in pay dates or amounts. If you spot errors, contact your employer or HR department immediately to resolve the issue.

Cookies and Online Application Guidance

When applying for maternity pay online, websites often use cookies to remember your information and keep your session secure. Cookies can also help the site run smoothly while you fill out forms.

You should check the website’s cookie policy to understand what data is collected. You can usually control cookie settings in your browser to limit tracking if you prefer greater privacy.

Using a secure and updated browser will reduce the risk of losing data during your application. If you face any technical issues, clear your cookies or try a different browser before contacting support.

For detailed steps on claims and advice, visit the Maternity pay and leave: How to claim page.

Frequently Asked Questions

You need to meet specific work and earnings criteria to qualify for Maternity Allowance. The application process requires certain forms and proof, and timing affects when you can apply. The amount you get depends on your average earnings over a set period. You can claim after your baby is born, but there is a deadline. Payments are usually made by bank transfer.

What are the eligibility criteria for claiming Maternity Allowance in the UK?

You must have worked at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your baby is due.

You also need to have earned at least £30 a week in at least 13 of those weeks.

If you don’t qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay, Maternity Allowance may apply.

How do I apply for Maternity Allowance and what documents are needed?

You apply using the Maternity Allowance (MA1) claim form.

You can get this form online to print and fill in.

You will need proof of your due date, such as a maternity certificate (form MAT B1).

When is the earliest I can start the application process for Maternity Allowance?

You can start your claim from 15 weeks before your baby is due.

It is best to apply as early as possible to avoid payment delays.

What are the steps involved in calculating the amount of Maternity Pay I’m entitled to?

Your pay is based on your average weekly earnings during a given test period.

If you qualify for Maternity Allowance, the current weekly rate or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is lower) applies.

Check exact details on government websites as rates can change.

Is it possible to claim Maternity Allowance after my baby has been born, and what is the deadline?

Yes, you can still claim after the birth.

You must apply within 3 months after your baby’s birth to get payments.

What methods are used for the payment of Maternity Allowance?

Payments are usually made by bank transfer directly into your bank or building society account.

You will receive payments weekly or every two weeks, depending on your claim details.

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