The allowance can be paid for up to 39 weeks and the amount depends on your earnings and National Insurance contributions.

To qualify, you must have been working for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your baby is due, and your earnings need to be above a certain threshold.

To qualify for Maternity Allowance, you must meet the following criteria:

Employment Status:

• You are employed but do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay.
  
  

• You are self-employed and have paid Class 2 National Insurance contributions.
  
  

• You recently stopped working but were employed or self-employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your baby is due.

Earnings:

You must have earned at least £30 per week for any 13 weeks during the 66 weeks before your baby is due.

National Insurance Contributions:

Self-employed individuals must have paid sufficient Class 2 National Insurance contributions. If not, a reduced rate of Maternity Allowance may be available.

Other Requirements:

You must have been employed or self-employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your baby is due (the weeks do not need to be consecutive).

If you meet these criteria, you may be eligible to receive Maternity Allowance for up to 39 weeks.

To apply for Maternity Allowance, follow these steps:

Obtain the Application Form (MA1):

Download the Maternity Allowance (MA1) or request a paper form by contacting Jobcentre Plus.

Complete the Application Form:

Fill out the form with your personal details, employment history, and information about your pregnancy.

You will need to provide your 13 highest-earning weeks from the 66 weeks before your due date.

Read the notes on how to apply.

Gather Supporting Documents:

• Submit evidence of your pregnancy, such as your MATB1 certificate (provided by your doctor or midwife after 20 weeks of pregnancy).

• Include payslips or proof of self-employment earnings if applicable.
  
  

• Provide any required National Insurance contribution records (for self-employed individuals).
  
  

Submit the Application:

Send your completed form and supporting documents to the address listed on the form.

Wait for a Decision:

You will receive a decision by post confirming your eligibility and the amount you will receive.

Maternity Allowance is paid directly into your bank, building society, or credit union account. Payments are made every 2 or 4 weeks depending on your preference, and the benefit can be received for up to 39 weeks.

If you qualify for the higher rate, you will receive either £172.48 per week or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is lower). If you qualify for the lower rate, you may receive £27 per week.

Payments usually begin after you’ve stopped working and are available from as early as 11 weeks before your due date.