Maternity Allowance What is Maternity Allowance? Understand eligibility, how much you get, and how to claim MA if you don't qualify for SMP.
Last updated: 30 January 2025 Maternity Allowance provides income during pregnancy and after birth for those who don't qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay.
What Is Maternity Allowance?
Overview
Maternity Allowance (MA) is:
Government benefit
For those who can't get SMP
Paid by Jobcentre Plus
Up to 39 weeks
Who It's For
Situation MA Available? Employed but no SMP Yes Self-employed Yes Recently stopped working May be Never worked No
MA vs SMP
Key Differences
Aspect SMP MA Paid by Employer Government First 6 weeks 90% of earnings Flat rate Remaining weeks Flat rate Flat rate Employer involvement Required None
Which to Claim
Situation Claim Employed, meet SMP criteria SMP from employer Employed, don't meet SMP MA from government Self-employed MA Mix of employed/self-employed Check which is better
Eligibility Requirements
For Employed Workers
You qualify if:
Employed for at least 26 weeks in 66 weeks before EWC
(Weeks don't need to be consecutive)
Earn at least £30/week average in any 13 weeks
Don't qualify for SMP
For Self-Employed
You qualify if:
Registered self-employed for 26+ weeks in 66 before EWC
Paid Class 2 NI (or have Small Profits Exemption)
Can prove self-employment
The 66-Week Test Period
Step Calculate Start 66 weeks before EWC End Week before EWC Need 26 weeks worked in this period
How Much Is MA?
2024-25 Rates
Rate Amount Standard rate £184.03/week Or 90% of average earnings You get Whichever is lower
Comparison to SMP
Period SMP MA Weeks 1-6 90% pay £184.03 (or 90%) Weeks 7-39 £184.03 £184.03 (or 90%)
MA doesn't have the enhanced 90% period.
Duration
Weeks MA Position Up to 39 weeks MA payable After 39 weeks MA ends
Calculating Average Earnings
Which Weeks Count
For Employed For Self-Employed Any 13 weeks Based on NI class In 66-week period Different calculation £30/week minimum May get lower rate
Self-Employed Rates
NI Situation MA Rate Paid Class 2 NI Standard rate Small Profits Exemption Standard rate No Class 2 NI Lower rate possible
How to Claim
Step by Step
Step Action 1 Get MA1 form (gov.uk or Jobcentre) 2 Complete the form 3 Attach MATB1 certificate 4 Send to Jobcentre Plus 5 Wait for decision
When to Claim
Timing Advice Earliest 26 weeks before due date Latest 3 months after birth Recommended Around 26 weeks pregnant
What You Need
Document Why Needed MA1 claim form Required application MATB1 certificate Proof of pregnancy SMP1 form If employer refused SMP Payslips Prove earnings P45 If recently left job
Self-Employment Evidence
Proving Self-Employment
Evidence Examples HMRC registration Tax records Business accounts Invoices, receipts Client contracts Work arrangements Class 2 NI Payment records
Small Profits Exemption
If profits below threshold:
May still qualify for MA
Need to register for Class 2
Or claim exemption
Standard rate may apply
When MA Starts
Earliest Start
MA can start:
From 11 weeks before due date
You choose start date
Within allowed window
Automatic Triggers
MA starts automatically if:
Event MA Starts Baby born early Day after birth Pregnancy-related illness after 36 weeks May trigger Still working When you stop
Choosing Start Date
Consideration Impact Start earlier Ends earlier Start later Work longer Flexibility Some choice available
During MA Period
Working While on MA
Situation Effect No work MA continues Some work Keeping in Touch days possible Return to work MA may stop
Keeping in Touch Days
If returning to employed work:
Check with employer about KIT days
May affect MA differently than SMP
Get advice if unsure
If You're Refused MA
Appeal Rights
You can:
Ask for reconsideration
Request written decision
Appeal to tribunal
Get advice from Citizens Advice
Common Refusal Reasons
Reason Response Not enough weeks worked Check calculation Earnings too low Check which weeks used Evidence missing Provide more documents Wrong test period Check dates
MA and Benefits
Universal Credit
Situation Effect On UC MA counts as income Claiming UC Declare MA UC may reduce By MA amount
Other Benefits
Benefit Impact Housing Benefit MA counts as income Council Tax Support MA counts as income Child Benefit Can claim additionally
After Baby Is Born
Continuing MA
MA continues:
As planned
For up to 39 weeks total
From your start date
Returning to Work
If you return to work:
Tell DWP
MA may stop or change
Check effect on payments
Special Situations
Premature Birth
If Baby Born Early MA Position Starts automatically Day after birth Full entitlement Still available Tell DWP As soon as possible
Stillbirth or Baby Dies
After 24 weeks pregnancy:
MA still payable
Full entitlement
Sensitive handling
Multiple Jobs
If working multiple jobs:
Include all employment
Total earnings counted
Choose best 13 weeks
Practical Tips
Getting Ready to Claim
Week Pregnant Action 20 weeks Get MATB1 from midwife 25 weeks Get MA1 form 26 weeks Submit claim Before 39 weeks Decision received
Common Mistakes
Mistake How to Avoid Claiming too late Apply from 26 weeks Missing documents Gather everything first Wrong test period Check dates carefully Not declaring work Be honest
Contact Information
Where to Claim
Online: gov.uk/maternity-allowance
Form: MA1
Send to: Jobcentre Plus Maternity Allowance
Phone: 0800 055 6688
Getting Help
Source Help With Citizens Advice Eligibility, appeals Jobcentre Plus Claims, queries ACAS Employment aspects Midwife MATB1 certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maternity Allowance? Maternity Allowance is a government benefit for pregnant women who can't get Statutory Maternity Pay. It's for those who are employed but don't meet SMP criteria, self-employed women, or those who've recently stopped working.
How much is Maternity Allowance? Standard MA is £184.03 per week (2024-25) or 90% of your average earnings if that's less. It's paid for up to 39 weeks. Unlike SMP, there's no 90% rate for the first 6 weeks.
Can I claim Maternity Allowance if I'm self-employed? Yes. Self-employed women can claim MA if they've been registered self-employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before the due date and paid Class 2 National Insurance. Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Employment law is complex and changes frequently. For specific situations, consult ACAS, a qualified employment lawyer, or HR professional.