Maternity Leave Preparation Checklist

Planning your maternity leave in advance avoids last-minute stress and ensures you receive everything you are entitled to. Use this checklist from around week 20 of pregnancy onwards.

Notification requirements

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Tell your employer you are pregnant by the 15th week before your due date (end of the 25th week of pregnancy)
You must give at least 8 weeks' notice of your intended start date for maternity leave
Provide a MATB1 certificate from your midwife or GP (issued from week 20)
Confirm your intended maternity leave start date in writing
Check if your employer requires notice of Shared Parental Leave intentions

Pay and finances

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Check your qualifying week (the 15th week before your due date) — you need 26 weeks' service by then for SMP
Ask HR for a breakdown of your Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) and any enhanced pay
Check if you are entitled to the Sure Start Maternity Grant (if first child, on qualifying benefits)
Review your budget for the lower pay period (weeks 7-39 at £184.03/week or 90% of earnings if lower)
Notify HMRC if you are self-employed and want to claim Maternity Allowance

Workplace arrangements

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Request a risk assessment from your employer for your role during pregnancy
Discuss handover plans and whether keeping-in-touch (KIT) days are wanted
Confirm your benefits continue during maternity leave (pension, health insurance, etc.)
Confirm your right to return to the same or equivalent role

Helpful organisations

Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service

Government

Provides free, impartial advice on workplace relations and employment law, and offers early conciliation before tribunal claims.

Visit website 0300 123 1100

Department for Work and Pensions

Government

The government department responsible for welfare, pensions, and child maintenance policy in the UK.

Visit website 0800 169 0310

HM Revenue & Customs

Government

Responsible for collecting taxes, paying some forms of state support, and administering national insurance.

Visit website 0300 200 3300

Disclaimer

This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Always check official sources and seek qualified help where needed.

Notification requirements

Pay and finances

Workplace arrangements

Helpful organisations

Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service

Department for Work and Pensions

HM Revenue & Customs

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