Maternity Allowance in the UK: eligibility, amounts and the MA1 claim
If you cannot get Statutory Maternity Pay, this is the government payment that usually takes its place, including for self-employed mums.
Updated October 13, 2026 · sources checked October 13, 2026
In short
Maternity Allowance is paid by the government for up to 39 weeks if you cannot get Statutory Maternity Pay. As of October 2026, employed or recently employed mothers get £194.32 a week or 90% of earnings if lower; self-employed mothers get £27 to £194.32 depending on Class 2 contributions. Apply from 26 weeks of pregnancy with form MA1.
Who Maternity Allowance is for
Maternity Allowance (MA) is paid by the government through Jobcentre Plus, not by an employer. You could get it if you:
- are employed but cannot get Statutory Maternity Pay, for example because you earn less than £129 a week or have not been with your employer for 26 weeks;
- are self-employed;
- have recently stopped working;
- do unpaid work for your spouse's or civil partner's business.
The 66-week test period
Everything is measured over the 66 weeks before the week your baby is due, called the "test period". GOV.UK's test period calculator gives you the exact dates. You can get MA for up to 39 weeks if, in that window, you were:
- employed for at least 26 weeks, earning (or classed as earning) £30 a week or more in at least 13 of those weeks; or
- registered as self-employed for at least 26 weeks.
The weeks do not have to be together, and having several jobs or gaps does not matter.
How much, as of October 2026
| Your situation | Weekly amount | Maximum length |
|---|---|---|
| Employed, or recently stopped working | £194.32, or 90% of average weekly earnings if less | 39 weeks |
| Self-employed | £27 to £194.32, depending on Class 2 contributions | 39 weeks |
| Unpaid work in your spouse's or civil partner's business | £27 | 14 weeks |
If you take the full 52 weeks of maternity leave as an employee, the last 13 weeks are unpaid.
Self-employed: getting the full amount
To get the maximum, GOV.UK says you must have been registered with HMRC for at least 26 weeks in the test period, and have paid Class 2 National Insurance for at least 13 of those 66 weeks.
- Fewer than 13 weeks paid: MA is calculated from the weeks you have; with none, it is £27 a week.
- Topping up: after you apply, HMRC tells you how many extra Class 2 contributions would raise your MA. Class 2 is £3.65 a week for 2026 to 2027. Once linked, payments increase and are backdated, which can take several weeks.
- Profits of £7,105 or more a year: Class 2 contributions are treated as paid to protect your record.
Example. Freya is a freelance illustrator, registered for 3 years, with profits above £7,105. Her Class 2 contributions are treated as paid, so she is in line for the maximum self-employed rate, £194.32 a week for up to 39 weeks as of October 2026, about £7,578 in total. She applies at 26 weeks and plans for the 20 working days a decision can take.
How to claim
- Apply once you are 26 weeks pregnant. Payments can start from the 11th week before your due week up to the day after the birth.
- Claim within 3 months of your MA start date, or you may lose some weeks.
- Fill in form MA1: print it, complete it online and print it, or order one if you cannot print.
- Send with it: original payslips as proof of income; proof of your due date (MatB1 or a letter on headed paper from your midwife or doctor); proof of birth if the baby has arrived; your SMP1 if your employer refused SMP.
- Decision: within 20 working days. MA is paid every 2 or 4 weeks into your account.
If you disagree with the decision, ask for a mandatory reconsideration.
Maternity Allowance and other benefits
Your total benefits usually go up or stay the same, but:
- Universal Credit is reduced by the amount of your MA. You may still get an extra amount for your children. Report the change in your Universal Credit account.
- Jobseeker's Allowance stops.
- You receive Class 1 National Insurance credits automatically.
- The benefit cap can apply.
If your baby is stillborn from the start of the 24th week of pregnancy, or born alive at any point, you may still qualify.
Good to know. Maternity Allowance can sit alongside a Sure Start Maternity Grant and Healthy Start if you get a qualifying benefit. Check all three at once.
Questions parents ask
How much is Maternity Allowance?
As of October 2026, £194.32 a week or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is less, for up to 39 weeks if you are employed or recently stopped working. Self-employed mothers get between £27 and £194.32 depending on their Class 2 contributions.
Can I get Maternity Allowance if I am self-employed?
Yes. You need to have been registered as self-employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your due week. For the maximum, you also need 13 weeks of Class 2 contributions, which you can top up after applying.
When can I apply for Maternity Allowance?
Once you have been pregnant for 26 weeks. Claim within 3 months of your start date to get the full amount, and expect a decision within 20 working days.
Does Maternity Allowance affect Universal Credit?
Yes. Universal Credit is reduced by the amount of your Maternity Allowance, although you may get an extra amount for your children.
Sources
- GOV.UK — Maternity Allowance: overview checked October 13, 2026
- GOV.UK — Maternity Allowance: eligibility checked October 13, 2026
- GOV.UK — Maternity Allowance: what you'll get checked October 13, 2026
- GOV.UK — Maternity Allowance: how to claim checked October 13, 2026
- GOV.UK — Self-employed National Insurance rates (Class 2, 2026 to 2027) checked October 13, 2026
Mamavela explains; it does not replace your midwife, doctor or pediatrician, who know your situation. If something worries you, call them. In an emergency, call 911 (US), 999 (UK) or 112.