Dealing with work

Maternity entitlements

You can start your maternity leave from eleven weeks before your due date
You can return to work no earlier than two weeks after the birth
You can take up to 52 weeks of maternity leave
This is made up of 26 weeks of Ordinary Maternity Leave, plus 26 weeks of Additional Maternity Leave
You may be entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) from your employer, providing you meet qualifying conditions based on the length of your employment and how much you earn. Speak to your employer for full details
Ask your GP or midwife for form MAT B1
For the latest advice on maternity leave and benefits visit www.dwp.gov.uk or www.citizensadvice.org.uk

You can start your maternity leave from 16 weeks before your due date
You have to start your maternity leave from at least two weeks before the end of the week in which your baby is due
You can return to work no earlier than four weeks after the birth
You are entitled to 26 weeks paid Ordinary Maternity Leave
You can also take up to 16 weeks of unpaid additional maternity leave
Your public health nurse can advise you on what benefits you may be entitled to
For more information on leave and benefits visit www.citizensinformation.ie
It’s important to speak to your personnel department as company maternity policies may differ

Legally, you don’t have to tell your employers you’re pregnant until 15 weeks before your due date in the UK, or four weeks before in ROI
You may find it better to tell them as soon as possible, so they know you have a good reason to attend medical appointments (you’re entitled to paid time off for antenatal appointments and parentcraft classes)

You may be entitled to up to two weeks of paid paternity leave (check with your employer)
You must have worked for your employer for 26 weeks before the 15th week of pregnancy
You must inform your boss in writing at least 15 weeks before the beginning of the week of your due date:
- Whether you want one or two weeks leave
- When you want your leave to start (this is only an estimate, as you won’t know the birth date unless you’re opting for an elective caesarean)
You must take paternity leave within 56 days of the birth
For more information on leave and benefits visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk or www.dwp.gov.uk

Employers aren’t obliged to grant paternity leave (either paid or unpaid)
However, it’s worth checking with your employer whether they have a paternity leave policy

There are several benefits for mums-to-be and new mums:

The Sure Start Maternity Grant. A lump sum to help with the expense of a new baby
Healthy Start Scheme. Entitles you to vouchers for fruit, vegetables, vitamins, infant formula and cows’ milk
If you already receive benefits, you may be eligible for additional benefits now you’re pregnant