There’s so much to think about when you’re pregnant that it can be tempting to skip the boring bits and dive straight into buying babygros and buggies. But before you do that, you should make sure your maternity pay is set up. So while decorating the nursery is fun, it pays (quite literally) to get your paperwork in order first.
One of the most important forms you'll need is a MAT B1 form. This form allows you to claim:
• Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) from your employer
• Maternity Allowance (MA) from Jobcentre Plus
• Sure Start Maternity Grant (SSMG) from Jobcentre Plus
Here's everything you need to know about how to get a MAT B1 form, who needs to fill it out, and what it entitles you to.
What is a MAT B1 form?
A MAT B1 form or Maternity Certificate is a government form that allows you to provide medical evidence of your pregnancy and due date to your employer or Jobcentre Plus.
You'll need a MAT B1 form in order to claim maternity pay and benefits, whether you're unemployed, self-employed, full time, or part-time. The form allows you to claim Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) from your employer or Maternity Allowance from the government if you're self-employed or not currently working.
How and when do I get my Mat B1 form?
Although your midwife should automatically give you a MAT B1 form at the antenatal appointment that takes place after your 20-week scan, you might need to request it - it is available from either your midwife or your doctor.
What do I need to do after I receive it?
Your MAT B1 form will have been completed by your midwife or doctor so once you receive it, you just need to sign it and make a copy. Then you’ll need to give it to your employer (either your manager or HR team). If you work two jobs, you'll need to give a copy of the MAT B1 form to both employers.
Once you've given it to your employer, you can start arranging your maternity pay and benefits. Remember you need to give your employer at least 28 days' notice before you begin claiming your SMP, so it's a good idea to get this sorted sooner rather than later.
Bear in mind that you can’t take time off for antenatal appointments and checks until you’ve told your employer about your pregnancy.
What will my MAT B1 form look like?
Your MAT B1 form is a standard medical document. This is a Mat B1 form example:
What happens if I lose my MAT B1 form?
If you lose your MAT B1 form, you are able to apply for a duplicate but this can take some time and hold things up. For this reason, we recommend making a copy as soon as you sign it and keeping it in a safe place before the baby brain sets in.
What else do I need to tell my employer when pregnant?
Either in a letter or an email (check with your HR department for your company policy), you need to tell your boss your estimated due date and the date you want to start your statutory maternity leave and pay.
Do I need a MAT B1 form for paternity leave?
In the UK, the MAT B1 form is typically used to provide proof of pregnancy for maternity leave and pay purposes. There's no equivalent Mat B1 form for fathers but you will need to complete an online form and provide different types of evidence to qualify for Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) or one/two weeks Paternity leave and pay.
Can I get a MAT B1 form online?
No, you cannot get a MAT B1 form online. The MAT B1 form is a medical certificate completed by a midwife or doctor confirming the expected date of childbirth. This form is typically issued around the 20th week of pregnancy. You need to obtain the MAT B1 form directly from your healthcare provider during a routine antenatal appointment.
MAT B1 Form FAQs
What is Statutory Maternity Pay?
Statutory Maternity Pay is a payment made by employers to their employees who have taken maternity leave. It lasts up to 39 weeks but you may be eligible for enhanced maternity pay through your employer.
You can get Statutory Maternity Pay:
• if you work for your employer in the 15th week before your baby is due
• if you have worked for them for at least 26 weeks before that
• if your average pay, before tax, is at least £123 a week
What is Maternity Allowance?
Maternity Allowance is a payment you can get if you're not eligible for Statutory Maternity Pay. This may be because you are are self-employed or have recently stopped working.
In order to be eligible for Maternity Allowance you will need to:
• Be registered as self-employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your baby’s due and pay Class 2 National Insurance
• Be employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your baby’s due
• Be employed but unable to claim Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)
About the author
Rebecca Lancaster is a Digital Writer for Mother&Baby, drawing on ten years of parenting her two children to help others navigating their own parenting journey. As a freelance writer, she spent ten years working with leading lifestyle brands, from travel companies to food and drink start-ups, and writing everything from hotel reviews to guides to the best British cheeses. She’s particularly interested in travel and introducing her children to the excitement of visiting new places, trying different foods (less successfully) and experiencing different cultures.