Crap my MAT B1 FORM WHEN DO I GET IT?

[Willow87]

I am now 23 weeks pregnant. I won't be seeing my midwife till another 2 weeks. Is it true that I have to hand it in 15 weeks before I am due? I am soooo stressed out and have no idea what to do. What if I get it late? I intend to ask for it as soon as I see my midwife but will it be too late?

 

[MrsKTB]

If I remember correctly, its about 26 weeks....

 

[Willow87]

What 26 weeks before my due date? that's not right.

 

[MrsKTB]

No, when youre 26 weeks. Sorry,not very clear.

 

[Willow87]

Oh I see thanks!!

 

[Lawgirl]

In my area we get it at 21 weeks, but I'm not sure who we get it from (not got there yet).

 

[Willow87]

Also, do I have to write down a letter to my employer on when I want to start my maternity or can I just talk to her and tell her?

 

[stephb1981]

If its UK hun you get it any time after 20 weeks. You have to tell your employer 15 weeks before the baby is due that you are pregnant and intend to take ML and the date you intend to start this but you dont have to hand in the Matb1 until 28 days before the date your due to finish. If you are really worried ring the doctors and they should be able to give you a letter to tell your employer the date you are due and that you are pregnant. Might put your mind at ease.

 

[stephb1981]

Also, do I have to write down a letter to my employer on when I want to start my maternity or can I just talk to her and tell her?

Speaking to her is fine, But you may have to put it in writing if they request it tho most are fine with verbal confirmation.

 

[MrsKTB]

My company has forms to fill in on mat leave, so i didnt have to write a letter, but i think the do need it in writing. When are you planning on finishing~?

 

[Blondey2012]

Hey hun. Company needs it by the end of your 25th week. My next mw appointment is at 26 weeks so I called last week and they sent mine 1st class in the post x

 

[Willow87]

I plan to take my 4 weeks holiday at the end of april. Maybe like the 29th of april and officially start maternity leave on the 27th of May. I am due on the 29th.

 

[pebbie1]

I get mine at 25 weeks. My work said they need that and then the date of when I'm starting my maternity leave. They said it "officially" all needs to in 15 weeks before your due date, but most employers are not that strict with it.
I know when I'm going on maternity leave anyways an told them already.

 

[stephb1981]

This is what gov.uk say

You must tell your employer you want to take Statutory Maternity Leave at least 15 weeks before the beginning of the week your baby is due.

Tell them:

when the baby is due
when you want to start your maternity leave - you can change the date later, if you give at least 28 days’ notice
Your employer might ask for:

notice in writing
a copy of the maternity certificate (form MAT B1) - a doctor or midwife will give you a copy
You will only be given the maternity certificate after you’ve been pregnant for 21 weeks.

So as long as you tell them then you only have to hand in matb1 28 days before you intend to start leave its fine.

Edited to add this i found in the employer section.

Proof of pregnancy
You must get proof of the pregnancy before you pay SMP. This is usually a doctor’s letter or an MATB1 certificate (midwives and doctors usually issue these 20 weeks before the due date).

The employee should give you proof within 21 days of the SMP start date. You can agree to accept it later if you want. You don’t have to pay SMP if you haven’t received proof of the due date 13 weeks after the SMP start date.

 

[Lamont]

i asked for mine at the 20 week scan and got it no problem. Just call up your midwife I'm sure they'll have no problem filling one in for you

 

[SammyJ]

I think I get mine at 28 week appointment

 

[jellybean87]

I have to send mine in by 25weeks. I wasn't seeing my midwife until 28 weeks, so after lots of phone calls and getting told different things by everyone, I've had to make an appt with her just to get it. Seems a waste of an appt when they could just post it, leave it at dr's reception.

 

[R8ch]

I have to get mine to my employers by the end of my 25th week of pregnancy. I just rang up my midwife who wrote it out there and then and left it for me behind the desk at the doctors. I would phone up because like you I wasn't going to be seeing her until quite close to 25 weeks and I didn't want to risk it.
Rx