Maternity Allowance

Maternity Allowance is a benefit for pregnant women who are employed or self-employed and paying National Insurance contributions but are not eligible to receive Statutory Maternity Pay. You might receive Maternity Allowance if you have been at work for twenty-six of the sixty-six weeks up to and including the week your baby is due to be born, and earned on average at least £30 a week for thirteen of these sixty-six weeks. If you are able to claim Statutory Maternity Pay you will not be eligible for Maternity Allowance. Maternity Allowance is the lesser of:

• 90% of your average gross weekly earnings
• £112.75 a week
  

If your baby is due to be born on or prior to 31st March you can receive Maternity Allowance for a maximum period of twenty-six weeks. If your baby is due to be born on or after 1st April you can receive Maternity Allowance for a maximum period of thirty-nine weeks.

Your Maternity Allowance will not affect any Tax Credits or Disability Living Allowance that you are currently entitled to receive. However, if you are currently receiving one or more state benefits including Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, Carer’s Allowance or Bereavement Benefits, these may be either reduced or stopped altogether.

When you have been pregnant for twenty-six weeks you can claim Maternity Allowance. Contact Jobcentre Plus on 0800 055 6688 for assistance and a claim form. You will need to give details of your income and your pregnancy, including your baby’s due date. If your claim is successful Maternity Allowance will be paid weekly or monthly into an account you nominate, via direct debit. You must inform the benefits service immediately of any changes to your circumstances. This enables them to ensure that you are receiving the support to which you are entitled at all times.