Maternity Allowance
If you are thinking about having a baby or are currently expecting, you may be wondering what financial support is available during your maternity leave.
One key option is Maternity Allowance (MA), a government benefit designed for those who do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay but still need financial assistance while taking time off to care for their baby.
Who Can Get Maternity Allowance? ✅
You may be eligible if:
✅ You are self-employed.
✅ You are employed but do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay.
Our guide covers everything you need to know, from eligibility to calculating your allowance, so you can navigate this process with ease!
How Much is Maternity Allowance? 💰
Maternity Allowance is paid for up to 39 weeks. The amount you receive depends on your National Insurance contributions and earnings:
Standard Rate: £183.04 per week (2024/25 tax year rate) or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower, for 39 weeks.
Lower Rate: £27 per week for 39 weeks if you do not meet the minimum earnings threshold.
Tax and National Insurance Implications 💷
Maternity Allowance is not subject to tax or National Insurance. It is not treated as earnings.
When Will I Be Paid? 📆
You can choose to receive payments every two weeks or every four weeks. Payments come directly from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Eligibility Requirements for Maternity Allowance
To qualify, you must:
📅 Work History: Have worked for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your baby is due. These weeks don’t need to be consecutive, and both employment and self-employment count.
💰 Earnings Threshold: Earn at least £30 per week (on average) in 13 of those 66 weeks. These weeks also don’t need to be consecutive.
🐣 Pregnancy Status: Be pregnant or have given birth within the past 56 days.
🚨 Use the Government's Maternity Entitlement Calculator to check your eligibility 🚨
What If I Don’t Qualify for Maternity Allowance? ❌
If you are not eligible for Maternity Allowance, you may be able to apply for Universal Credit instead.
🔗 Use the Turn2Us Calculator to check what support you may be entitled to.
