What is a MAT B1 Form
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A MAT B1 form- or a maternity certificate- is a form you need to claim for maternity pay and benefits.
A MAT B1 form is essentially the government providing medical evidence of your pregnancy and when your baby is due- in other words, the maternity certificate verifies the pregnancy and confirms the expected week of confinement (ewc).
The form enables a pregnant woman to claim maternity pay and benefits- whether your employment status.
The MAT B1 form allows you to claim Statutory Maternity Pay (or employer maternity allowance) from your employer if you are employed.
If you are self-employed or unemployed, you will still need this form to claim for your maternity allowance from the government. Find out more about your 39-week maternity allowance here.
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Who qualifies for maternity allowance?
To qualify for maternity allowance, you must:
- Be employed but unable to claim for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)
- Be self-employed and pay Class 2 National Insurance
- Have stopped working recently
Who qualifies for SMP?
To qualify for Statutory Maternity Allowance, you must:
- have been working for your employer continually for at least the 26 weeks leading up to the 15th week before your due date
- be earning on average at least £120 a week gross (before tax). If you usually earn £120 a week or more but have been earning less because you’ve been on furlough under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, you may still be eligible.
- give the correct notice period (at least 28 days before you wish your SMP to start)
- be able to provide proof you’re pregnant (the MATB1 form)
Where can I get my maternity certificate / MAT B1 form from?
You can get your MAT b1 form for your statutory payments/maternity allowance from any registered midwives or doctors.
When can I receive my MAT B1 form?
Your midwife will usually give your MAT B1 form- or maternity certificate form- at the antenatal appointment after your 20week scan- but sometimes you may need to ask for it. You are legally not eligible for the form (MAT B1) until you are 20 weeks pregnant or more.
I’ve got my form. Now what?
Once you’ve got your form, the next step is to fill out your details and then- before you hit 25 weeks pregnant (or by the end of the 15th week before the beginning of your expected week of birth)- hand in your pregnancy MAT B1 form to your employer.
After your employer has received your form, you can move on to the next steps: Arranging your maternity leave and pay.
Remember to note that you must give your employer a minimum of 28 days notice before you can begin claiming your SMP.
What happens if I lose my MAT B1 form?
If you lose your MAT B1 form, your midwife or doctor will replace it for you (although there may be some delay).
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My name is Louise and I am the Digital Marketing and Administrative Assistant at MyBump2Baby. I have been writing in the parenting niche for over 2 years specialising in fertility, pregnancy, baby and baby name support articles.