Q&A: Maternity benefit advice

Many women think there is inadequate information about maternity rights and benefits, while 79% find the maternity benefits and parental leave system "totally confusing", according to the Pregnancy & Working Woman Survey 2002.

Where do most people get advice?

According to the survey, which was commissioned by Pregnancy & Birth magazine, most people get information about maternity benefits from their personnel department, healthcare providers, such as a doctor, or parenting magazines.

However, 67% of women who need to know about maternity rights do not think there is enough information available.

Where can I get information about benefits and leave entitlements?

The Maternity Alliance is a charity that gives guidance on all aspects of pregnancy and new parenthood.

It has an information line (020 7588 8582) and a comprehensive website, which gives details of benefits (see right).

Other organisations, such as the Trades Union Congress (TUC) can also help.

The TUC has a "Know Your Rights" helpline, which can be contacted on 0870 6004882.

Information can also be found on its website (see right) under "Know Your Rights".

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)'s Tiger website, has an interactive guide to maternity rights (see right).

Another government department, the Department for Work and Pensions, also carries information about maternity benefits (see right).