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As a member of the Armed Forces you are entitled to 52 weeks maternity leave and may be eligible for 39 weeks statutory maternity pay - this applies to servicewomen giving birth, and those adopting or entering a surrogacy arrangement.
Time off work when you’ve had or adopted a baby or entered a surrogacy arrangement
You’re entitled to up to 52 weeks of maternity leave, whatever your length of service. You may also be eligible for 39 weeks of Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP), the first 26 weeks of which may be enhanced to your full pay rate (occupational pay).
Subject to meeting the qualifying criteria, Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is a weekly payment for a maximum of 39 weeks from the date that Ordinary Maternity Leave (OML) starts.
For those who qualify, Occupational Maternity Pay (OMP) is the enhancement of statutory pay up to your full rate of pay, for the 26 weeks of Occupational Maternity Leave.
The following 13 weeks of Additional Maternity Leave are paid at the standard rate of SMP, and the remaining 13 weeks of Additional Maternity Leave are unpaid.
You’re entitled to reasonable paid time off for antenatal appointments, parent-craft classes and medical examinations. You’ll need to supply a doctor’s certificate confirming pregnancy. You may also be asked to provide written proof of the appointments.
Whether you intend to return to work or not, you may take up to three weeks of unpaid antenatal leave between the 14th and 11th week prior to the expected week of childbirth. To qualify, you must elect to start your Ordinary Maternity Leave at the 11th week prior to the expected week of childbirth.
If the other parent is a Service person, they can apply to take up to two days’ leave to accompany an expectant mother to antenatal appointments.
Pregnant Servicewomen should notify their Chain of Command (CoC), that they are pregnant, no later than the 15th week before the Expected Week of Childbirth (EWC). The first thing you need to do is complete JPA Form R004 (if you intend to return to work after taking maternity leave) or R005 (if you intend to leave the Service). Where possible your form should be submitted no later than the 15th week before the week you are expected to give birth. The forms are available via defnet at JPA forms.
You also need to ask your doctor for a maternity certificate MATB1 or the equivalent form if you’re serving overseas. You can only do this within 20 weeks of when you are expected to give birth.
You should then ask your Commanding Officer/Line Manager to countersign the JPA form before sending it to your Unit HR office, together with the maternity certificate MATB1 or equivalent. If there is a delay in obtaining the maternity certificate, you can send this on separately once you’ve received it.
In due course you will receive a letter of acknowledgment from your Personnel Management Authority, confirming your maternity leave and pay entitlements
Page last updated: 12 February 2025
Read JSP 760 chapter 24 for more information about the Armed Forces occupational maternity scheme
A guide to support Service Personnel and Managers during pregnancy, maternity, paternity, assisted conception, adoption, pregnancy loss and childcare support in the Royal Navy.
A guide to support Service Personnel and the Chain of Command during pregnancy, including pregnancy loss, maternity, breastfeeding and returning to work within the British Army.
A hub of information and guidance to help you and your line manager navigate parenthood policies and processes, and access available support.
Read the Statutory Maternity page for employers
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