Am I entitled to extra benefits if I’m having twins?

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. However, you are entitled to Child Benefit for each of your children.

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.

The Child Benefit rates are:

  • eldest child: £20.50 each week
  • additional children: £13.55 each week for each child

If you have twins and no older children, the higher rate is payable for the twin who is born first. 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.

Maternity leave

If you are an employee, you are entitled to 52 weeks' Statutory Maternity Leave, regardless of:

  • how long you’ve worked for your employer
  • how many hours you work
  • how much you’re paid

Your employer may have their own maternity leave scheme which could be more generous than the statutory scheme.

To qualify for maternity leave, you must tell your employer by the end of the 15th week before your babies are due:

  • that you are pregnant
  • the expected week of childbirth
  • the date you intend to start maternity leave

Only one period of maternity leave is allowed if you’re expecting twins or multiple babies.

Maternity pay

Maternity pay varies, depending on your circumstances. Your entitlement is not increased if you’re expecting twins or multiple babies. Find out more about maternity pay.

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 if you're expecting twins. Only one period of paternity leave is allowed if you’re expecting twins or multiple babies.

Sure Start Maternity Grant

If you’re on a low income and getting certain benefits or tax credits, you could get a Sure Start Maternity Grant. This is a one-off payment to help towards the cost of maternity and baby items. The grant is tax-free and you don’t have to repay it.

The grant is £500 paid as a lump sum.

If you already have children under 16, you can only get a grant if you’re expecting a multiple birth.

Child Tax Credits

If you've had more than one baby – for example twins – you'll be able to claim Child Tax Credit for each baby. Find out more information about Children and tax credits.

Read the answers to more questions about pregnancy.

Further information:

Page last reviewed: 24/04/2024

Next review due: 23/04/2024

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