Maternity and Paternity Benefits and Leave
This article outlines the benefits available to you during pregnancy and provides details on maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave.
It also highlights additional benefits you may qualify for, depending on your situation.
Leave and Time Off
Maternity Leave
If you’re pregnant and employed, you can take up to 52 weeks (1 year) of maternity leave, regardless of how long you’ve worked for your employer. This includes:
- 26 weeks of ordinary maternity leave
- 26 weeks of additional maternity leave
During your maternity leave, your rights are protected, and you can ask your employer for flexible working arrangements when you return. Your employment terms, such as pension contributions, remain secure while you’re on leave. If you face redundancy during this period, you have additional rights.
Working When Pregnant
Your employer must ensure your health and safety while you’re pregnant. You may be entitled to paid time off for antenatal care, and you’re protected from unfair treatment.
If you enjoy your job and colleagues, you might feel mixed emotions about going on maternity leave. Use this time to relax before your baby arrives, and consider joining antenatal classes to meet other expectant parents.
Planning Childcare
Decide if you want to stay at home with your baby or return to work soon after the birth. If you plan to work, think ahead about childcare options.
You might have family who can help. If not, contact your local authority’s Family Information Service for a list of registered childminders and nurseries. You may also consider arranging care in your home, either on your own or with other parents. Ensure any carer you choose has the proper experience to look after babies.
Returning to Work After Maternity Leave
When you return to work, know your rights and responsibilities. Understand what to do if you face any issues or if your rights are not upheld.
Requesting Flexible Working
All employees can request a flexible working pattern.
Paternity Leave
If you are a father-to-be or the partner of someone pregnant (including same-sex partners), you may be eligible for paternity leave, which includes:
- 1 or 2 weeks of paid paternity leave
- Paternity pay
- Shared parental leave and pay
Shared Parental Leave
You and your partner can share parental leave and pay. This allows you to decide when to return to work while spending quality time together during your child’s early life.
You can share up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay after the first two weeks following the birth. Shared parental leave can be taken all at once or in blocks, and both parents can take leave simultaneously.
Benefits Available During Pregnancy
Whether you’re employed or not, you may qualify for various benefits while pregnant.
Free NHS Prescriptions and Dental Care
If you’re pregnant or have given birth in the past year, you can get:
- Free NHS prescriptions with a valid maternity exemption (MATEX) certificate
- Free NHS dental treatment with a MATEX certificate, MatB1 certificate, notification of birth form, or birth certificate
If you have experienced a miscarriage or stillbirth, you can continue to use your MATEX certificate until it expires.
Healthy Start
If you receive certain benefits or are under 18, you can receive free milk, infant formula, vitamins, and fresh fruit and vegetables.
Universal Credit and Working Tax Credits
These benefits help boost your income if you have a low-paid job. Note that Universal Credit is replacing Working Tax Credits.
Statutory Maternity Pay
This is a regular payment from your employer to support you during maternity leave.
Maternity Allowance
If you don’t qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay, you may be able to claim Maternity Allowance through Jobcentre Plus.
Statutory Paternity Pay
If your partner gives birth, adopts a child, or has a child through surrogacy, you may be entitled to Statutory Paternity Pay.
Statutory Adoption Pay
If you adopt a child, you can receive a regular payment from your employer, similar to your usual wages.
Other Financial Help
- Sure Start Maternity Grant: Available for low-income families receiving certain benefits.
- New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance: For those looking for work, replace the old Jobseeker’s Allowance.
- New Style Employment and Support Allowance: For those under state pension age who have paid enough National Insurance contributions.
- Housing Benefit: Helps with rent for those on a low income or claiming benefits.
- Support for Mortgage Interest: A loan for mortgage interest if you receive certain benefits.
- Council Tax Reduction: Help with council tax payments based on income.
- Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme: Potential help for transport costs to hospital.
Seek advice on benefits as soon as you learn you’re pregnant. Different benefits require different applications, so it’s important to understand the process.
You can reach out to local voluntary organizations for help, and many local authorities have welfare rights officers who can provide guidance. For work-related rights, contact ACAS at 0300 123 1100. If you’re 19 or under, the National Careers Service can also offer assistance at 0800 100 900.