An employee does not have to claim SMP. It is payable if she
satisfies the conditions such as notification, evidence, continuous
employment and so on.
The employer should decide how they wish to be notified of
maternity absence and the date their employee expects her SMP to
begin. They can ask for this to be in writing if they wish. They
should inform their employees accordingly.
The employee should normally give notice personally but, if
this is not possible, the employer must accept notice given on her
behalf.
The employee should give her employer at least 28 days'
notice before her SMP is due to start unless her employment was
ended after the QW.
Once the EWC is decided from the date given on MAT B1, it
does not normally change even if the baby is born early or late.
Exceptionally a doctor or midwife may certify that the original
date was given in error. See
SPM20505.
