How to work out your Weeks

Weeks for the purposes of maternity leave and pay always start on a Sunday.

The "Expected Week of Childbirth" (EWC)
is the week in which your baby is due, according to the MATB1 form which you can get from your midwife or GP once you are at least 20 weeks pregnant.

To find the 15th week before the EWC, find the Sunday before the due date (unless your baby is due on a Sunday, in which case use the due date), and count back 15 weeks.

HM Revenue and Customs produces a Help Book for employers with tables of dates to help work out whether you qualify for maternity leave and pay. Your employer can order the Help Book and get help with paying and reclaiming SMP from the Employers Helpline on 08457 143 143.

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