If you have a late miscarriage

Sadly, you’re not entitled to maternity or paternity rights or benefits if you’ve had a late miscarriage (between 14 and 24 completed weeks of pregnancy).

This includes Statutory Maternity Pay, Sure Start Maternity Grant and additional Healthy Start vouchers.

But you can still get free prescriptions, with a Maternity Exemption Certificate, which you can use until the expiry date for prescriptions in England. (In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland prescriptions are free for everyone).

Entitlements to free dental check-ups and treatment vary by country.

Even though you won’t get benefits, it’s still important that you tell certain people what’s happened so they can sort out the paperwork.

The best way to do this is usually to call or, where possible, email.

If you can’t do this yourself, you might be able to get a relative or close friend to make some of the calls for you.

Talk to your employer about what they can offer you or check your employment contract.

Most employers offer compassionate leave to bereaved parents as part of their basic contract of employment or employee benefits.

Your employer will also take care of cancelling any maternity or paternity pay that you might have arranged.

Your Maternity Exemption Certificate can be used until the expiry date for prescriptions in England.

In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, prescriptions are free for everyone.

Entitlements to free dental check-ups and treatment vary by country.

You can use any Healthy Start vouchers you already have.

If you live in Scotland, find out more about the Best Start Grant, and income limits on the mygov.scotOpens in a new window website.

If your local JobCentre Plus was going to organise a Sure Start Maternity Grant , you'll need to tell them that you’re no longer pregnant.

If you live in Northern Ireland, your local Jobs  to & Benefits Office will arrange this.

If you have a late miscarriage, you’re entitled to the same benefits as any other employee who’s off sick.

You will at least get Statutory Sick Pay – this is paid for up to 28 weeks, or more if your employment contract allows it.

You should take sick leave for as long as your GP signs you off sick – and not feel pressured to return to work until you feel ready. You may need a Fit Note previously called a Sick Note from your GP.

You might be entitled to Employment and Support Allowance if:

• your Statutory Sick Pay runs out you are unable to return to work,or
• you don’t earn enough to claim Statutory Sick Pay, or
• you can’t claim Statutory Sick Pay because you haven’t worked for your employer for long enough.

If you’re receiving Universal Credit, you must notify them of your miscarriage. If you feel your ability to work or look for work is affected while recovering, you must get a fit note from your GP or healthcare specialist.

Most employers offer compassionate leave to bereaved parents as part of their basic employment contract or employee benefits.

Talk to your employer about what they can offer you, or check your employment contract.

When a baby is born dead within the first 24 weeks of pregnancy, they’re not formally certified or registered.

However, many hospitals offer parents a Certificate of Birth.

This usually gives your baby’s name, the date of your loss and some other details.

If your hospital doesn’t provide certificates, you can download one from Sands – the stillbirth and neonatal death charity – and ask the hospital to sign it.

If your baby died before 24 weeks, there’s no legal requirement to have a formal funeral.

The hospital staff will explain to you what they offer, and they should also give you written information. They will give you time to consider what you would like to do.

Alternatively you can make your own arrangements for a funeral and/or burial or cremation. You might wish to consult a funeral director or a minister of your own faith. 

The hospital chaplaincy team might also be a good source of information, advice and support, whether you have any religious beliefs. 

You have the right to bury your baby’s body or remains yourself. If you want to do this, you might need to make your wishes clear to the hospital staff or your GP as they might not be aware that this is legal. 

For more information, visit Miscarriage AssociationOpens in a new window or SandsOpens in a new window

It’s easy to be overwhelmed by some of the things you need to do and the decisions you need to make.

While family and friends can be a great comfort, it’s also sometimes good to get some clear, impartial guidance.

Sands, a stillbirth and neonatal death charity, offer practical and emotional support. This includes making funeral arrangements.

Our free printed guides give you clear, unbiased information. They're a good starting point and can help you make informed choices.

You can download them or order printed copies using our order forms.