§ Sandra GidleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what measures he has taken to publicise the eligibility criteria for maternity allowance. [163339]
§ Maria EagleThe eligibility criteria for Maternity Allowance are publicised in a number of ways. The Department publishes a leaflet which is available through both its offices and post offices.
A Maternity Certificate is issued to all women by their GP or midwife from their twenty-first week of pregnancy; it contains basic information on entitlement to Maternity Allowance arid directs potential claimants to Jobcentre Plus or Social Security Offices for further guidance and claim forms.
Information is available on a number of websites including the Department's own site, and those of Jobcentre Plus and the Department of Trade and Industry; Inland Revenue guidance also signposts our information sources.
Employed women who are not entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay should also be advised by their employer to claim Maternity Allowance. The Department's leaflet is also included in the bounty pack women receive following childbirth.