What is Maternity Allowance in the UK and Do I Qualify for It?

Navigating the financial side of pregnancy can be overwhelming, especially for first-time mothers. Understanding your entitlements and rights can alleviate some of the worries surrounding maternity leave. One key support available to expectant mothers in the UK is Maternity Allowance. Whether you’re preparing for your antenatal appointments, researching antenatal care, or considering antenatal classes, knowing if you qualify for Maternity Allowance is important for your peace of mind during pregnancy.

This guide will take you through everything you need to know about Maternity Allowance, how to qualify for it, and how to apply. As part of your antenatal support, it is crucial to explore all available financial options to maintain a stable and healthy pregnancy.

What is Maternity Allowance?

Maternity Allowance is a financial benefit provided by the UK government to support pregnant women who are not eligible for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP). SMP is typically provided by employers to employees who meet specific criteria, but if you do not qualify for it, you may be able to claim Maternity Allowance instead.

This allowance is designed for women who are employed, self-employed, or recently unemployed but do not meet the requirements for SMP. Maternity Allowance can provide essential income during the last stages of pregnancy and the first weeks of your baby’s life, allowing you to focus on your prenatal care and postnatal recovery without financial stress.

The UK government’s official page on Maternity Allowance here provides comprehensive information on the benefit and eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Criteria for Maternity Allowance

Not all pregnant women qualify for Maternity Allowance. To determine if you are eligible, the UK government has set out specific criteria based on your work and earnings history. Below are the main eligibility criteria:

1. Employment Status

You can qualify for Maternity Allowance if:

You are employed but not eligible for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP).

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

You have recently stopped working or have had several jobs but meet the other criteria.

You are not employed but have been doing unpaid work for your partner’s or spouse’s business.

2. Earnings

To qualify for Maternity Allowance, you must have earned at least £30 per week (on average) for at least 13 of the 66 weeks before your baby’s due date. These 13 weeks do not have to be consecutive, but your earnings during this period will help determine the amount of Maternity Allowance you will receive.

3. Work History

You must have been employed or self-employed for at least 26 weeks of the 66 weeks before your expected due date. This period includes time when you were working full-time, part-time, or doing freelance work. If you have recently been made redundant or left your job, you may still qualify if you meet this work history requirement.

How Much Maternity Allowance Will I Receive?

The amount of Maternity Allowance you receive depends on your earnings history and employment status. There are three main rates of Maternity Allowance:

£172.48 per week (as of 2025) or 90% of your average weekly earnings—whichever is less—for up to 39 weeks.

£27 per week if you’ve earned less than £30 per week on average, for up to 39 weeks.

If you do not qualify for the full 39-week period, you may receive Maternity Allowance for a shorter period of up to 14 weeks.

The 39-week period usually starts 11 weeks before your baby is due, although you can choose to start receiving Maternity Allowance earlier depending on your situation and health needs. Be sure to discuss your maternity leave with your employer during your antenatal appointments to determine the best timing for your leave.

For more detailed information about calculating your entitlement, visit the official Maternity Allowance page on the UK government website here.

How to Apply for Maternity Allowance

Applying for Maternity Allowance is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply:

Download the Maternity Allowance claim form (MA1) from the UK government website here.

Complete the form by providing your personal details, employment history, and information about your earnings. Be prepared to submit evidence of your work, such as payslips or proof of self-employment.

Send supporting documents, such as your MATB1 certificate (which confirms your pregnancy due date) and other required documentation. The MATB1 form is typically issued by your midwife or GP after your 20-week scan, and it’s a critical part of your antenatal care.

Submit the completed application form and supporting documents to the address provided on the form. You can apply up to 14 weeks before your baby is due.

It is important to apply as early as possible to ensure your payments start on time, allowing you to focus on your pregnancy care without worrying about financial constraints.

Can I Receive Other Benefits Alongside Maternity Allowance?

Maternity Allowance is designed to replace lost income during your maternity leave, but you may also be entitled to other benefits, depending on your circumstances. For example:

Universal Credit: If you and your partner have a low income, you may qualify for Universal Credit alongside Maternity Allowance.

Child Benefit: Once your baby is born, you can claim Child Benefit, which provides financial support for your child until they turn 16 (or 20 if they are in full-time education or training).

Tax Credits: If you are already receiving tax credits, you may be eligible for additional financial support when your child is born.

To learn more about what other benefits you may be entitled to, visit the UK government’s benefits calculator here.

Importance of Antenatal Support and Financial Planning

It’s essential to have the right antenatal support throughout your pregnancy, which includes preparing financially for the arrival of your baby. Managing your maternity leave, understanding your entitlements, and applying for benefits like Maternity Allowance should be a part of your prenatal care and planning.

During your antenatal checkups and pregnancy clinic visits, you may want to discuss your maternity leave options with your healthcare provider. They can offer advice on how to manage stress and ensure you are well-prepared for the financial aspect of having a baby. Additionally, taking time to relax with activities such as antenatal yoga or enjoying a prenatal massage can help reduce pregnancy-related stress and help you focus on your well-being.

Self-Employed and Maternity Allowance

One of the key features of Maternity Allowance is its availability to self-employed individuals. If you are self-employed, you will need to provide proof of your work and confirm that you have paid Class 2 National Insurance contributions. If you have not paid enough contributions, you may still qualify for the lower rate of Maternity Allowance, provided you meet the other eligibility criteria.

For self-employed women, it’s particularly important to plan ahead. While self-employed individuals may have more flexibility in scheduling their maternity leave, it’s vital to ensure that your business can continue to operate smoothly during your absence, allowing you to focus on your baby and antenatal care.

Conclusion

Maternity Allowance is a critical financial benefit for pregnant women in the UK who do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay. Whether you are employed, self-employed, or recently unemployed, understanding your eligibility for Maternity Allowance and applying for it in a timely manner can help ease the financial pressure during this important stage of your life.

Alongside antenatal appointments, antenatal checkups, and preparing for the arrival of your baby, taking the time to research and apply for the right benefits will give you peace of mind. Knowing that your financial needs are met allows you to concentrate on your antenatal care, baby preparation, and overall well-being.

For more detailed information, or to check your eligibility, visit the UK government’s official Maternity Allowance page here.