Maternity Allowance

Maternity Allowance may be payable if the employee is not eligible for SMP, or you are self-employed.

You may be registered as self-employed, paying class 2 NI, and have worked at least 26 weeks out of 66 weeks up to the EWC. And have earned £30 per week over a 13 week average, at any point in the 66 weeks.

Earnings from employment and self-employment are added together to arrive at your total earnings figure.

MA is payable at the rate of the lower of £128.73 per week, or 90% of average gross weekly earnings, for a maximum of 39 weeks.

Tax Credits are not affected by MA.

MA can be claimed if you have been pregnant for 26 weeks, by telephoning Job Centre Plus on 0800 055 6688.

For definitive reference, here is a link to the Department of Work & Pensions guidance on the subject - click here.