MAT B1 form - your maternity certificate explained
Everything you need to know about the MAT B1 form including how to claim maternity pay from your employer or maternity allowance from Jobcentre Plus.
Think you might need a MAT B1 form? First up, congratulations! Preparing for the arrival of a new baby is ALWAYS exciting news, even if the paperwork is a pain in the bum.
But your MAT B1 form is an essential document that you need in order to claim maternity pay and benefits, so it is worth doing your homework.
So, once you are 20 weeks into your pregnancy make sure you get your maternity certificate filled in and signed by your doctor or midwife.
To help you get started we've outlined everything you need to know about your MAT B1 form including how to get one and what your maternity entitlements will be.
What is the MAT B1 form?
The MAT B1 form, also known as the maternity certificate, is the official paperwork that serves as medical proof of pregnancy for your employer and enables you to claim maternity pay and benefits.
You'll need a MAT B1 form if you're:
- Unemployed
- Employed
- Self-employed
- Working full-time
- Working part-time
Your MAT B1 form entitles you to claim for the following:
- Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) from your employer
- Maternity Allowance (MA) from Jobcentre Plus
When do you get your MAT B1 form?
Your midwife or doctor will issue your MAT B1 form and complete and sign it on your behalf, usually at a routine antenatal appointment once you reach 20 weeks into your pregnancy. They cannot give you the form any earlier than this.
If you have not received your maternity certificate by the time you are 20 weeks pregnant, try phoning your healthcare provider and asking for one to be sent to you.
It's important that you receive this form, as you will need to give a copy to your employer in time to claim for Statutory Maternity Pay.
It is a free service so you will NOT have to pay for your MAT B1 form.
When do you give your MAT B1 form to your employer?
Once you have received your signed MAT B1 form, make several copies and remember to keep one for yourself.
In order to claim Statutory Maternity Pay, you must:
- Tell your employer at least 28 days before you wish your SMP to start.
- Provide medical proof that you are pregnant, which is what your MAT B1 form is for.
- If you have more than one job, you will need to give a separate form to each employer.
Can a MAT B1 form get free prescriptions and dental treatment?
As well as SMP, you may also be asked to show your MAT B1 form for other maternity entitlements including free prescriptions and free dental treatment.
However, it's also worth downloading the Maternity Exemption Certificate in oder to make a claim.
You can apply for this form as soon as you're pregnant, whereas you will need to wait until you're 20 weeks pregnant before you can use a MAT B1 form.
What if I lose my MAT B1 form?
If you lose your MAT B1 form you can ask your GP or midwife for a duplicate to be issued.
However, applying for a replacement maternity certificate may take some time to come through so it could delay or impact your Statutory Maternity Pay.
Make sure you have copies of your MAT B1 form and keep a spare one in a safe place incase you do lose it.
Am I entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay?
According to the Gov.uk, to qualify for SMP you must meet the following criteria:
- Earn on average at least £120 a week, before tax.
- Have been working for your employer continually for at least 26 weeks leading up to the 15th week before your expected due date.
- Give your employer adequate notice, at least 28 days before you wish your SMP to start.
- Provide proof of your pregnancy using a MAT B1 form.
For more information read Maternity and paternity benefits and allowances.
MAT B1 form and universal credit
If you’re struggling with the cost of living, it's worth checking if you can claim benefits or increase the benefits that you currently receive.
You can claim Universal Credit at the same time as Statutory Maternity Pay. However, your maternity pay may be taken into account when calculating the amount of Universal credit you are entitled to.
Am I entitled to Maternity Allowance?
If you are not entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay, you may still be eligible for Maternity Allowance. This is a benefit paid by Jobcentre Plus for pregnant women who are self-employed, only recently employed or who cannot get SMP for any reason.
You will need to be 26 weeks pregnant to apply for Maternity Allowance and you’ll need to fill in a MA1 claim form.
To work out what benefits you might be entitled to visit gov.uk/benefits-calculators.
MAT B1 form for fathers
If your partner wishes to claim paternity leave and pay, they do NOT need to provide proof of your pregnancy or birth. So, fathers do not need to give a MAT B1 form to their employer.
However, they will need to provide their employer with at least 15 weeks notice before the baby is due.
To claim paternity leave and pay, your partner will need to fill in this online form and send it to their employer.
Do you pay National Insurance on maternity leave?
Statutory Maternity Pay is subject to National Insurance deductions. It is paid in the same way as your wages, so Tax and National Insurance will be deducted from your weekly or monthly pay.
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