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Eligibility · Maternity Allowance

Am I eligible for Maternity Allowance?

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In short. You can usually claim Maternity Allowance if you cannot get Statutory Maternity Pay and you have worked as an employee or self-employed person in the 66 weeks before the baby is due. The standard 2026/27 rate is £194.32 a week or 90 percent of average weekly earnings, whichever is less, for up to 39 weeks.

Ask your employer about Statutory Maternity Pay first. Maternity Allowance is paid by DWP when SMP service or earnings tests are not met. Confirm live rules on GOV.UK.

Last reviewed:

·Amount: £194.32 a week or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is less, for up to 39 weeks (2026/27)

You likely qualify if…

  • You cannot get Statutory Maternity Pay from an employer
  • You have been employed or self-employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before the due date
  • You earned at least £30 a week on average in 13 of those weeks, or you paid Class 2 NI as self-employed
  • You are 11 weeks or fewer before the due date when pay starts, or you have already had the baby

You likely don't if…

  • You qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay — your employer must pay SMP instead
  • You have not worked enough weeks in the 66-week test period
  • Your immigration status restricts access to public funds

How to check and claim

  1. 01Ask payroll whether you meet the 26-week service test and the £129 Lower Earnings Limit for SMP
  2. 02If you do not, apply from 26 weeks pregnant using form MA1 at gov.uk/maternity-allowance
  3. 03Self-employed parents should check Class 2 NI was paid in the 66 weeks before the due date

FAQ

Is Maternity Allowance the same as Statutory Maternity Pay?
No. SMP is paid by your employer for the first 6 weeks at 90 percent of earnings. Maternity Allowance uses the £194.32 cap from week one unless 90 percent of your earnings is lower.
Can I get Maternity Allowance if I am self-employed?
Yes. Class 2 National Insurance in the 66 weeks before the due date usually unlocks the full rate. Without that record the amount can fall to £27 a week.
Does Maternity Allowance affect Universal Credit?
Yes. It counts as unearned income. Tell your work coach when payments start.

Go deeper

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