Maternity Allowance Calculator

What is Maternity Allowance?

Maternity Allowance is a government benefit for pregnant women who don’t qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP). It provides financial support for up to 39 weeks during and after pregnancy, helping mothers who are self-employed, have recently changed jobs, or whose earnings fall below the SMP threshold.

The allowance is paid directly by the government through Jobcentre Plus, unlike SMP which is paid by employers. This makes it accessible to women in various employment situations, including those who work for multiple employers or have gaps in their employment history.

Eligibility Requirements

Basic Eligibility

To qualify for Maternity Allowance, you must meet specific employment and earnings criteria within the 66 weeks before your baby is due.

Employment Requirement: You must have been employed or self-employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your baby’s due date. These weeks don’t need to be consecutive, and you can combine different types of employment.

Earnings Requirement: If employed, you must have earned at least £30 per week for at least 13 weeks during your employment period. For self-employed individuals, you need to have made Class 2 National Insurance contributions.

Special Circumstances

You may still qualify if you’ve recently stopped working, changed jobs, or had periods of unemployment. The system recognises that modern work patterns often involve job changes and career breaks.

Women who do unpaid work for their spouse or civil partner’s business may qualify for up to 14 weeks of Maternity Allowance, provided specific conditions about the business registration and National Insurance contributions are met.

Payment Rates and Duration

Employment Type	Weekly Rate	Duration	Requirements
Employed/Recently Stopped	£187.18 or 90% of earnings	Up to 39 weeks	26 weeks employment, £30+ for 13 weeks
Self-Employed (Full Rate)	£187.18 or 90% of earnings	Up to 39 weeks	26 weeks registered, 13+ weeks Class 2 NI
Self-Employed (Reduced Rate)	£27 – £187.18	Up to 39 weeks	Less than 13 weeks Class 2 NI
Unpaid Work	£27	Up to 14 weeks	Partner’s business, specific conditions

Maternity Allowance vs Statutory Maternity Pay

Many mothers wonder whether they should claim Maternity Allowance or Statutory Maternity Pay. You cannot receive both simultaneously, and your eligibility depends on your employment situation.

Aspect	Maternity Allowance	Statutory Maternity Pay
Paid by	Government (Jobcentre Plus)	Employer
Eligibility	26 weeks in 66 weeks, £30+ for 13 weeks	Continuous employment, £125+ per week
Rate (First 6 weeks)	£187.18 or 90% of earnings	90% of earnings
Rate (Remaining weeks)	£187.18 or 90% of earnings	£187.18 or 90% of earnings
Duration	Up to 39 weeks	Up to 39 weeks

Generally, if you qualify for SMP, it’s usually the better option as it provides 90% of your full earnings for the first six weeks without the weekly cap that applies to Maternity Allowance.

How to Apply

Applying for Maternity Allowance requires completing form MA1, which you can download from the government website or collect from your local Jobcentre Plus office.

When to Apply: You can apply from 26 weeks of pregnancy (14 weeks before your baby is due). Don’t wait until after your baby is born, as this may delay your payments.

Required Documents: You’ll need your maternity certificate (MAT B1) from your doctor or midwife, proof of your National Insurance number, and evidence of your employment and earnings for the relevant period.

Processing Time: Applications typically take 6-8 weeks to process, so apply as early as possible. Your first payment should arrive before your baby is due if you apply on time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning Your Maternity Leave

Effective planning can maximise your maternity benefits and provide financial security during this important period.

Timing Considerations: You can start your maternity period from 11 weeks before your due date. Starting later may give you more time with your baby after birth, but starting earlier might be necessary for health reasons.

Financial Planning: Remember that Maternity Allowance provides a maximum of 39 weeks of payments. If you plan to take the full 52 weeks of maternity leave, budget for 13 weeks without this income.

Combining Benefits: Maternity Allowance may affect other benefits you receive, such as Universal Credit or Housing Benefit. Use benefit calculators to understand the full impact on your household income.

Return to Work: Consider your options for returning to work, including flexible working arrangements or additional childcare support that may be available through other government schemes.