Maternity Allowance

Congratulations if you're expecting! Maternity Allowance is for mums-to-be who can't get Statutory Maternity Pay from an employer. That includes people who are self-employed, freelancers, agency workers, people who've recently changed jobs and some people on lower earnings. It's paid by the DWP, so you don't need to ask an employer for it.

How much is it? (weekly rates from April 2026)

• Employed (or recently stopped working): 90% of your average weekly earnings, or £194.32, whichever is lower.
• Self-employed: between £27 and £194.32, depending on your National Insurance contributions.
• Helping with a partner's business without pay: £27 for up to 14 weeks.

You get it for up to 39 weeks.

Who can claim?

• You've been employed or self-employed for at least 26 of the 66 weeks before your baby is due (the "test period").
• You've earned at least £30 a week in any 13 of those weeks.
• You're not entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay from an employer.
• If you're self-employed, you've paid enough Class 2 National Insurance. The DWP checks this when you claim.

Good things to know:

• It's tax-free, and is paid every 2 or 4 weeks straight into your bank account.
• Claim as soon as you can. You can usually claim once you're around 26 weeks pregnant, and it's worth checking the deadline on GOV.UK so you don't miss out.
• You'll need proof of your pregnancy (a MATB1 certificate from your midwife or doctor) and evidence of your earnings, such as payslips or self-employed records.
• It counts as income for Universal Credit, so tell them if you're claiming both. A benefits check can help you work out how it all fits together.
• If you don't qualify for Maternity Allowance or Statutory Maternity Pay, you may be able to get help with Universal Credit or, in some cases, Employment and Support Allowance (Maternity). Don't assume there's nothing for you.
• If you go back to work during your 39 weeks, you'll usually lose that week's Maternity Allowance, so check the rules if you're thinking of any "Keeping in Touch" days.
• If you're self-employed, paying Class 2 National Insurance regularly can really make a difference to what you get.

Where to start: claim through GOV.UK. Maternity Action is a brilliant charity with free guides, and Citizens Advice can help with forms.

Rates are correct for 2026/27, but always double-check on GOV.UK. Maternity Allowance applies across England, Scotland and Wales. In Northern Ireland, check Nidirect.

If you've claimed Maternity Allowance as a freelancer or self-employed mum, please share your tips on the forum. Your experience could help someone else. 🫶