Most advice about maternity income assumes a standard employee. If you are self-employed, a company director who does not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay, or have recently changed jobs, Maternity Allowance may be the route. Check this early, because the claim window and the paperwork both have deadlines.
Who can get it
- Employed people who cannot get Statutory Maternity Pay.
- Self-employed people.
- People who have recently stopped working.
- People who do unpaid work in their spouse's or civil partner's business, for up to 14 weeks.
The test
GOV.UK says you can get up to 39 weeks if you were registered as self-employed for at least 26 weeks, or employed for at least 26 weeks, in the 66 weeks before the baby is due. If employed, you must have earned or been classed as earning £30 a week or more in at least 13 of those weeks, and the weeks do not have to be consecutive. You may still qualify if you recently stopped working, and different jobs or gaps do not matter.
When and how to claim
- Apply once you have been pregnant for 26 weeks.
- Payments can start any time from the 11th week before the due date to the day after the birth.
- Claim within 3 months of your start date to get the full amount you are entitled to.
- Use the MA1 claim form and give employment details for the 66 weeks before the due date, called the Test Period.
- Send original payslips as proof of income and proof of your due date, such as a MATB1 certificate or a letter from your doctor or midwife.
- A decision usually takes up to 20 working days.
Any money you get can affect your other benefits. If you disagree with a decision, you can ask for mandatory reconsideration.
Where it fits in your plan
Maternity Allowance replaces the pay side only. You still need to plan the year around nursery start dates, funded hours and the return to work. Our maternity leave budget guide shows how to build that plan, and the Statutory Maternity Pay guide covers the employed route.
General information, not personal financial or benefits advice. Official guidance checked on 14 October 2026. Check the weekly amount on GOV.UK for your own circumstances.
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