Benefits Robin

Maternity Allowance

Maternity Allowance is a benefit for pregnant women and new mothers who have been employed or self-employed but do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) from their employer. This is common for self-employed women, women who recently changed jobs, agency workers, and those whose employer has confirmed they cannot pay SMP by issuing an SMP1 form.

Maternity Allowance can be paid for up to 39 weeks at up to £172.48 per week or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. Over the full 39-week period, this amounts to up to £6,726. You can choose when to start your Maternity Allowance — the earliest is 11 weeks before your due date, and the latest is the day after the birth. The start date is flexible and you can plan it to suit your financial situation.

To qualify, you typically need to 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). You also need to have earned at least £30 per week in at least 13 of those 66 weeks. For self-employed women, paying Class 2 National Insurance contributions counts towards eligibility.

You can do up to 10 "keeping in touch" (KIT) days during your Maternity Allowance period without losing any payments. These days allow you to stay connected with your workplace, attend training, or complete handover activities. Maternity Allowance is not means-tested — your partner's income and your savings do not affect eligibility.

Maximum amount

Up to £172.48/wk

Means-tested

No

Age group

Working age (16–64)

Processing time

14 to 24 working days

Key Requirements

  • 1Pregnant or recently given birth
  • 2Employed or self-employed in the 66 weeks before due date
  • 3Paid for up to 39 weeks

How to Apply

  1. 1Download form MA1 from GOV.UK or request it by calling 0800 055 6688
  2. 2Ask your employer to complete the employer section (or provide an SMP1 if they cannot pay SMP)
  3. 3Attach your MATB1 certificate (from your midwife or doctor, available from 20 weeks)
  4. 4Post the completed form to: Jobcentre Plus, Maternity Allowance, Mail Handling Site A, Wolverhampton WV98 1SY

What you may need

  • Form MA1
  • MATB1 maternity certificate from your midwife or GP
  • Payslips or proof of employment/self-employment for the relevant test period
  • SMP1 form from your employer (if they say you do not qualify for SMP)
  • Bank or building society details

Helpful tips

  • You can start your Maternity Allowance from 11 weeks before your due date — consider the best start date for your finances
  • If you are self-employed, your Class 2 National Insurance contributions count towards eligibility
  • You may be able to do up to 10 "keeping in touch" days without losing Maternity Allowance

Phone

0800 055 6688

Form

MA1

Official page

GOV.UK →

Evidence You May Need

Essential

Form MA1

The Maternity Allowance claim form, completed and signed

Essential

MATB1 certificate

Maternity certificate from your midwife or doctor (available from 20 weeks)

Essential

Payslips or employment proof

Payslips for the test period, or proof of self-employment and Class 2 NI contributions

Recommended

SMP1 from employer

If your employer says you do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay

Helpful

P45

If you have recently left your job

Related Benefits

Universal Credit

Main means-tested benefit for working-age people on low income.

Varies by circumstance

Child Benefit

Universal payment for anyone responsible for a child.

£25.60/wk (first child)

Healthy Start

Prepaid card for milk, fruit, and vitamins for pregnant women and families with young children.

Up to £4.25/wk

Frequently Asked Questions

Who may be eligible for Maternity Allowance?
Pregnant women or those who have recently given birth, who have been employed or self-employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before the baby is due (the weeks do not need to be consecutive). Earnings of at least £30 per week in 13 of those weeks is typically required. Self-employed women who pay Class 2 National Insurance can qualify.
How long is Maternity Allowance paid?
Maternity Allowance can be paid for up to 39 weeks. You choose when to start — the earliest is 11 weeks before your due date, the latest is the day after the birth. Over the full period, the maximum total is up to £6,726.
Can I do any work while receiving Maternity Allowance?
You may do up to 10 "keeping in touch" (KIT) days without affecting your payments. These days let you stay connected with your workplace, attend meetings, or do training. Beyond 10 KIT days, additional work days may affect your entitlement.
What is the difference between Maternity Allowance and Statutory Maternity Pay?
Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is paid by your employer if you qualify. Maternity Allowance is paid by the DWP and is for women who do not qualify for SMP — for example, if you are self-employed, recently changed employer, or your employer has confirmed they cannot pay SMP. You cannot receive both at the same time.
How do I claim Maternity Allowance?
Download form MA1 from GOV.UK or request it by calling 0800 055 6688. You will need your MATB1 maternity certificate (available from your midwife from 20 weeks), payslips or proof of employment/self-employment, and your employer's SMP1 form if applicable. Post the completed form to the address on the form. Processing takes 14 to 24 working days.

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Important: Benefits Robin is not affiliated with the DWP or UK Government. We provide information and assistance, not legal or financial advice. These are estimates based on your answers. Final decisions are made by the DWP.