No. You’re not entitled to extra maternity or paternity benefits if you’re expecting twins or multiple babies. Your entitlements to leave and pay are the same as if you were expecting one baby.
Maternity leave
All pregnant women who are employees are entitled to 52 weeks Statutory Maternity Leave, regardless of:
- how long you’ve worked for your employer,
- how many hours you work, and
- how much you are paid.
You must tell your employer that you’re pregnant at least 15 weeks before the beginning of the week when your babies are due. You should also tell them when you want to start your maternity leave and receive Statutory Maternity Pay.
You can find detailed information about maternity leave on the Directgov website.
Maternity pay
Maternity pay benefits vary, depending on your circumstances. Usually you can claim statutory or contractual maternity pay from your employer or Maternity Allowance through Jobcentre Plus.
If you’re working full-time or part-time, you’re entitled to receive Statutory Maternity Pay as long as you meet certain conditions.
You can find detailed information about maternity pay on the Directgov website.
Paternity leave and paternity pay
Your partner may be entitled to paternity leave or paternity pay, subject to certain conditions. However, his entitlement is not increased. Only one period of paternity leave is allowed if you’re expecting twins or multiple babies.
You can find detailed information about paternity leave and paternity pay on the Directgov website.
Child Benefit
Child Benefit is a tax-free payment that you can claim for your children. It’s usually paid every four weeks and there are separate rates for each child. You can claim the payment for your children, whatever your income or savings.
Child Benefit payments usually increase each April. The Child Benefit rates from April 2009 are:
- eldest child: £20.00, and
- additional children: £13.20 for each child.
If you have twins and no older children, the higher rate is payable for your firstborn twin. The lower rate will be paid for your second twin.
If you have an older child, the lower rate will be paid for each twin.
Directgov has more information about Child Benefit.
Read the answers to more questions about pregnancy
Further information:
