If you can’t get Statutory Maternity Pay, you might qualify for another benefit called Maternity Allowance.

What is Maternity Allowance?

Maternity Allowance is a benefit paid by the government to pregnant women who don’t qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay.

How much is Maternity Allowance?

Maternity Allowance is tax-free and you’ll get either:

• 90% of your average weekly earnings (before tax) up to a maximum of £156.66 (2022/23) a week for 39 weeks
• £27 a week for 39 weeks, or
• £27 a week for 14 weeks.

You also get Class 1 National Insurance credits automatically while you’re getting Maternity Allowance. These credits are important because they count towards your State Pension entitlement.

Impact on other benefits

Maternity Allowance might affect how much you get for:

• Universal Credit
• Council Tax Reduction
• Housing Benefit
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income Support
• Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) - this will stop if you get Maternity Allowance
• bereavement benefits
• Carer’s Allowance.

Who gets Maternity Allowance?

You might be able to get it for 39 weeks if:

• you’re employed but can’t claim Statutory Maternity Pay
• you’re self-employed and paying Class 2 National Insurance contributions – including voluntary National Insurance contributions
• you’ve recently stopped working.

In the 66 weeks before your baby’s due:

• you must have been employed or self-employed for at least 26 weeks, and
• you must have earned £30 or more a week for at least 13 of those weeks – the weeks don’t have to be together.

Maternity Allowance if you’re not working

If you’re not employed or self-employed, but you’ve been helping your self-employed spouse or civil partner with their business without being paid, you might be able to get Maternity Allowance. It will be at a rate of £27 a week for 14 weeks.

How long can I get Maternity Allowance for?

Maternity Allowance is paid for up to 39 weeks. You can start your claim from the 26th week of your pregnancy. The earliest you can get your first payment is 11 weeks before your baby is due.

Get more help with maternity benefits

Are you pregnant or just had your baby, and don’t think you qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity Allowance? Then it’s important to talk to an experienced adviser – for example, at a Citizens Advice or a Jobcentre Plus.