What maternity leave and pay are you entitled to as a parent of twins and Triplets

Planning maternity leave when you’re expecting twins or triplets

Being pregnant with twins, triplets or more can be physically and emotionally demanding. Many doctors suggest planning to stop work earlier than with one baby, so you have time to rest and prepare before your children arrive.

The earliest you can start maternity leave is 11 weeks before your due date. You might choose to use annual leave so you can finish work earlier than this. If you are struggling with pregnancy-related illness, you can use sickness leave before your maternity leave starts.

If your babies arrive earlier than expected while you are still working or using annual or sick leave, your maternity leave will begin on the day they are born. This applies whether you are expecting one baby, twins or triplets.

Understanding your maternity leave and pay with twins or triplets

How much maternity leave and pay can I get?

If you are in permanent employment, you are entitled to take up to one year of maternity leave. Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is usually paid for 39 weeks, although some employers offer enhanced pay on top of this.

Maternity leave and pay are worked out per pregnancy, not per baby. This means parents of twins, triplets or more are not automatically entitled to extra leave or pay.

SMP is paid as:

• 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first six weeks
• £187.18 per week, or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is lower) for the next 33 weeks
• No maternity pay for the final three months of leave

You need to tell your employer when you want your SMP to start by the 15th week before your babies are due. You will also need to show your MATB1 certificate, which you usually receive around 20 weeks pregnant. You can change your leave dates later, but you must give 28 days’ notice.

What if my babies are in neonatal care?

If your babies are premature or unwell and need neonatal care, you may be entitled to Neonatal Care Pay and Leave (https://www.gov.uk/neonatal-care-pay-leave). You can get one week of neonatal leave and pay for every seven consecutive days your babies are in hospital, up to a maximum of 12 weeks.

Neonatal leave can be taken in addition to maternity leave. If your maternity leave has already started when your babies go into neonatal care, you can take your neonatal leave afterwards. If your babies are admitted at different times, you may be able to claim for each baby separately.

What if I do not return to work?

You can receive SMP even if you decide not to return to work and you do not have to pay it back. Company maternity pay may be different, so check your employer’s policy if they offer an enhanced package.

What if I am self-employed or unable to work?

Self-employed parents cannot claim SMP but may be able to get Maternity Allowance (MA). The standard rate is £187.18 a week, or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. If you have a Small Earnings Exemption Certificate, the rules are slightly different, so it is best to check the Department for Work and Pensions website.(https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions)

If you are not working in employment or self-employment, you might be entitled to Employment and Support Allowance instead. You may also be able to claim sickness benefits if you need to stop working before you qualify for maternity pay.

Flexible ways to share leave and stay connected

What are Keeping In Touch (KIT) days?

During maternity leave you can choose to work up to ten Keeping In Touch (KIT) days. These can be used for normal workdays, training or important meetings. You will be paid for these days and your maternity leave and pay will not stop.

What is Shared Parental Leave?

Shared Parental Leave (SPL) lets you and your partner share up to 50 weeks of leave and up to 37 weeks of pay during your babies’ first year. You can take this leave in one block or in several blocks with time at work in between.

SPL can be especially helpful for families with twins, triplets or more, as it allows you to plan time at home so both parents can help with caring for multiple babies.

Getting personal advice about your maternity rights

Every family’s situation is different, especially when you are expecting twins, triplets or more. It is important to read your employer’s maternity and parental leave policies, and to check out the Department for Work and Pensions website (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions) for the latest official information. Working Families is another useful place to get up to date advice and information

If you feel unsure about what you can claim, you can talk to your HR department, a union representative or an advice service. Twins Trust is also here to support you as you plan your leave and make the choices that work best for your family.