Go paper-free
Amend paper-free preferences for your statements and communications.
Financial support for growing families
If you’re planning to start a family, you may be entitled to benefits. We can help you understand what you are entitled to.
- Paid time off for antenatal care
- Maternity leave and allowances
- Employee protection
- Paternity leave and shared parental leave
- Adoption leave and pay.
Your maternity and paternity rights
Paid time off for antenatal care
No matter how long you have been in your job, you can get paid time off for antenatal care. This means you don’t have to use up your holiday hours.
You can find more information on the government website.
Maternity leave
You don’t have to take off a full year, but you can. The minimum you must take off is two weeks. This is after the birth of your baby.
You can find more information on the government website.
Statutory Maternity Pay
If you’re taking maternity leave, you may be able to get the legal minimum of up to 39 weeks Statutory Maternity Pay, if you’re eligible.
Maternity Allowance
If you don’t qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay, you can apply for Maternity Allowance. How much you get will depend on what you earn and how much National Insurance you’ve paid.
You can find more information on the government website.
Employee protection
The Equality Act 2010 protects pregnant employees from discrimination in the workplace.
You can find more information on the ACAS website.
Paternity leave
If your partner gives birth, you adopt a child or have a baby by surrogate, you may be entitled to one or two weeks paternity leave and paternity pay.
You can find more information on the government website.
Shared parental leave
New parents may be able to use shared parental leave. You could get up to 50 weeks parental leave, shared with your partner, and 37 weeks of shared pay.
You can find more information on the ACAS website.
Statutory Adoption Pay and Leave
You can claim Statutory Adoption Pay and Leave if you are adopting. But there may be some rules that apply.
You can find more information on the MoneyHelper website.
Handy to know
- If you are on a low income or unemployed financial support is available.
- You may also qualify for other benefits such as Job Seekers allowance or Cost of Living payments. See the government benefits calculator for more information.
Other financial support
Childcare options and support
Heathcare support
You might also like
