Here is what mums asked our midwives this week: how do I get my MATB1 form?

If you are pregnant and working, there is a good chance you have heard of the MATB1 form but getting hold of one can feel more complicated than it should be. This week a mum asked us for help after struggling to track down who was supposed to issue hers. Here is what our midwives had to say, along with everything you need to know about the MATB1 form.

What is a MATB1 form?

The MATB1, also known as the Maternity Certificate, is an official government form that confirms your pregnancy and your expected due date. It is filled in and signed by your midwife or doctor and issued to you free of charge. You need it so that your employer can process your Statutory Maternity Pay, or so that you can claim Maternity Allowance from the government if you are self-employed or not currently working.

Your midwife or GP can issue your MATB1 from 20 weeks of pregnancy onwards. It cannot be issued before 20 weeks.

When do I need to get it?

You should aim to get your MATB1 well before the 15th week before your due date, which is around week 25 of pregnancy, as this is the deadline for notifying your employer about your maternity leave. Most midwives aim to issue it between 20 and 25 weeks, often at a routine antenatal appointment.

However as our midwife explained, try not to panic if you are approaching 24 or 25 weeks and have not received yours yet. The form is primarily so your employer can process your maternity pay, so as long as you are not finishing work imminently, there is no emergency.

Who issues it?

The MATB1 form is provided by your midwife or doctor. While GPs can technically issue one, it is most commonly done by your community midwife. As our midwife explained, midwives carry them and should always have one to hand  so the simplest thing to do is ask at your next antenatal appointment.

Some women receive it automatically from their midwife, while others end up having to chase it up. If you have not been given one by around 25 weeks it is absolutely fine to ask for it directly you are not being a nuisance.

What if I cannot get hold of my midwife?

This is exactly the situation the mum who asked us was in, and it is more common than you might think. If you are struggling to make contact, here are a few things to try.

Bring it up at your next scheduled antenatal appointment and ask your midwife directly. This is the most straightforward route and as our midwife confirmed, they carry the forms and can issue one there and then.

If you need it sooner, try calling your maternity unit directly. Even if you cannot reach your community midwife by phone, the maternity unit should be able to help you make contact or advise on the next steps.

If all else fails, your GP surgery can also issue a MATB1, so it is worth asking them directly rather than going through the receptionist. Explaining that you need it for your employer may help move things along.

What do I do once I have it?

Once you have your MATB1 you need to give it to your employer so they can arrange your Statutory Maternity Pay. Your employer cannot process your SMP without a MATB1 certificate. It is a good idea to make a copy for your own records before handing over the original, as some employers and the Department for Work and Pensions require the original document.

Got a question of your own?