Has anyone applied for Maternity Allowance?

[Vicki & Nathan]

Mine took about 1 month to arrive (you get a letter confirming how much you will get and when it will start) before they actually start paying you.

I sent my form off by recorded delivery as I don't trust the Job Centre.

Good luck hon!

I didn't really trust the Job Centre either, but I got photocopies of everything, and they issued a receipt to say that have received my application, so I left it in their hands.

I phoned up the benefits helpline today and they have received my application. Phew! Now just waiting for them to process it.

do you have the number, i sent mine off a few weeks ago and would like to check that they have received it

 

[Riley's Mommy]

mine took ages to sort out. they lost my matb1 form, so i had to send them a photocopy. then they had trouble getting hold of my old employer, as i didnt have all my payslips.

useless place the job centre

 

[OopsyDaisy]

The Job Centre told me that a lot of applications were going missing if the applicants sent it themselves through the post, hence I handed in my application to the Job Centre. If you haven't heard anything yet, may be worth giving the benefits helpline a call to check on the progress.
The no. is: 0845 603 6347

 

[Riley's Mommy]

The Job Centre told me that a lot of applications were going missing if the applicants sent it themselves through the post, hence I handed in my application to the Job Centre. If you haven't heard anything yet, may be worth giving the benefits helpline a call to check on the progress.
The no. is: 0845 603 6347

its not unique to the post hun

you really do have to keep badgering them. i lost count the amount of times i rang them.

save the number in speed dial, im sure you will need it

 

[enn]

thanx girls will do this thursday as its payday then have 2weeks payday in july then thats it

gonna go see citazens tomorrow.

ok so im still currently employed by the job i got maternity on but i dont qualify for maternity pay as i not been paying national insurance or tax init.

jobs previously i have so do i need to get some wageslips for last job and this job. i am on maternity now but i dont get paid. only payment i got coming in is what ive been working. this thursday i get paid and 2weeks in july i will get abit of money but not much after that i got no money. OH works and we live at his parents house.

 

[fiobee]

There is a useful guide to MA here.

Basically, it's either Class 2 N.I. credits (SEE certificate will do) or average income of £30+ over any 13 weeks during past 66 weeks (before baby), assuming you have been employed/self-employed for any 26+ weeks. (Weeks do not need to be complete - one day counts.)

The most time consuming/annoying part is getting a SMP1 form from every employer (including temp agencies), which requires a SMP claim form and your MATB1 form, just to prove you can't get SMP. So if you are employed - by anyone - or have been during the 15th week before baby is due then start collecting those SMP1s. If you have/had multiple employers this could take a while as only one MATB1 form to go round - unless maybe midwife could supply more than one form?

 

[OopsyDaisy]

Woohoo!!! Received a letter today to say that my MA has been approved, and I'll be getting some money soon!!!