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Maternity Allowance — pay when you can't get Maternity Pay.

Last verified 6 Jun 2026 · Source GOV.UK Maternity Allowance (What you'll get + Eligibility) · Publisher: SortedUK Ltd (filed 5 Jun 2026)

If you're self-employed, or employed but can't get Statutory Maternity Pay, Maternity Allowance pays up to £187.18 a week (or 90% of your average earnings if lower) for up to 39 weeks. Self-employed mums can get £27 to £187.18 a week depending on National Insurance. It's paid by the DWP, it's tax-free, and you can claim from 26 weeks pregnant.

£187.18/wkMaximum rate
39 weeksHow long it's paid
£27/wkSelf-employed minimum
Tax-freeUnlike SMP
Do I qualify? Pregnancy journey guide

How much you'll get

If you're employed or recently stopped working

£187.18 a week or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is less), for up to 39 weeks. If you take the full 52 weeks of maternity leave, the last 13 weeks are unpaid.

If you're self-employed

Between £27 and £187.18 a week for up to 39 weeks, depending on the Class 2 National Insurance contributions you've made in the 66 weeks before your baby is due. To get the maximum you need at least 13 weeks of Class 2 NI paid; you can top up contributions after you apply to increase the amount (Class 2 NI is £3.50 a week).

If you help your spouse's business

£27 a week for up to 14 weeks if you do unpaid work for the business of your spouse or civil partner.

It's tax-free Unlike Statutory Maternity Pay, Maternity Allowance is not taxed and no National Insurance comes off it — and you get Class 1 NI credits while you receive it, protecting your State Pension.

Who qualifies

Maternity Allowance is for people who can't get Statutory Maternity Pay from an employer. You may qualify if you:

  • Are self-employed.
  • Are employed but don't qualify for SMP (for example you changed jobs or don't earn enough with one employer).
  • Have recently stopped working.
  • Do unpaid work for your spouse's or civil partner's business.

You generally need to have been employed or self-employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your baby is due, earning at least £30 a week on average over any 13 of those weeks.

Maternity Allowance vs Statutory Maternity Pay

You can't get both for the same pregnancy. The simple rule:

  • Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) — paid by your employer if you've worked for them long enough and earn above the threshold. Usually higher in the first 6 weeks (90% of pay).
  • Maternity Allowance — paid by the DWP for those who can't get SMP, including the self-employed.

If you qualify for SMP, you'll normally get that instead. If your employer says you don't qualify for SMP, they should give you form SMP1 — use it to claim Maternity Allowance.

Effect on other benefits

Maternity Allowance counts as income for some means-tested benefits:

  • Universal Credit is reduced by an amount equal to your Maternity Allowance.
  • It can affect Housing Benefit, Income Support, ESA and Council Tax Reduction.
  • Jobseeker's Allowance stops if you get Maternity Allowance.

Even so, your total income usually stays the same or goes up. A free benefits calculator (Turn2us) will show your exact position.

How to claim

Claim it now — free

Have ready: proof of income (payslips), your MATB1 certificate from your midwife or doctor, your employment details — and the SMP1 form if your employer refused SMP.

  1. Claim using form MA1 (download or complete via GOV.UK). You can claim once you've been pregnant 26 weeks; payments can start 11 weeks before the due date.
  2. You'll need proof of income (payslips), your MATB1 certificate (from your midwife or doctor) confirming the due date, and your employment details.
  3. If your employer refused SMP, include the SMP1 form they gave you.
  4. Claim promptly — backdating is limited, so don't leave it late.
Self-employed? Check your NI first Your Maternity Allowance amount depends on your Class 2 National Insurance record. If you've paid little or no Class 2 NI, you may start on £27/week — but HMRC will tell you how much to top up to reach the full £187.18, and your payments are then increased and backdated. It's worth doing.

Free UK support

  • GOV.UK Maternity Allowance — rates, eligibility + the MA1 claim form.
  • Maternity Allowance helpline (Jobcentre Plus) — 0800 169 0283.
  • Citizens Advice — 0800 144 8848. Free help claiming + a benefits check.
  • Maternity Action — specialist UK advice on maternity rights and pay.

Maternity Allowance — common questions

How much is Maternity Allowance?

Up to £187.18 a week (or 90% of average weekly earnings if lower) for up to 39 weeks if employed or recently stopped working. Self-employed: £27–£187.18 a week depending on Class 2 NI. £27 a week for up to 14 weeks if you do unpaid work for a spouse's business. It's tax-free.

Who qualifies?

People who can't get Statutory Maternity Pay — the self-employed, those who don't qualify for SMP with an employer, those who recently stopped working, or those doing unpaid work for a spouse's business. You generally need 26 weeks of work in the 66 weeks before the due date, earning at least £30/week over any 13 weeks.

Maternity Allowance or Statutory Maternity Pay?

SMP is paid by your employer if you qualify; Maternity Allowance is paid by the DWP for those who can't get SMP. You can't get both. If your employer refuses SMP, they give you form SMP1 to claim Maternity Allowance.

Does it affect other benefits?

Yes — it counts as income. Universal Credit is reduced pound-for-pound, and it can affect Housing Benefit, Income Support, ESA and Council Tax Reduction; JSA stops. But your total income usually stays the same or rises, and Maternity Allowance itself is tax-free.

How do I claim?

Use form MA1 via GOV.UK once you're 26 weeks pregnant (payments can start 11 weeks before the due date). You'll need payslips, your MATB1 certificate, and the SMP1 form if your employer refused SMP. Claim promptly as backdating is limited.

Sources Maternity Allowance · GOV.UK (What you'll get — £187.18/wk or 90% AWE, 39 weeks; self-employed £27–£187.18; £27/14 weeks for unpaid work; Class 2 NI £3.50/wk). Eligibility + How to claim (MA1) · GOV.UK. Free help: Maternity Allowance helpline 0800 169 0283 · Citizens Advice 0800 144 8848 · Maternity Action. Rates reviewed each April. Last reviewed: 6 June 2026.
Your safest next step today

Self-employed or can't get Maternity Pay? Claim Maternity Allowance.

Up to £187.18 a week for 39 weeks, tax-free, claimable from 26 weeks pregnant. If your NI record is light, HMRC will tell you how to top up to the full rate — worth doing.

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