Can I get Maternity Allowance?
Maternity Allowance is money paid to some pregnant women who do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay from their employer because, for example:
• they have recently stopped work to have the baby, or
• they do not earn enough money.
Self-employed women may also get Maternity Allowance.
You must have been employed or self-employed for at least 26 weeks of the test period (66 weeks up to and including the week before your baby is due). It does not matter if these weeks are split up or if they are not all for the same employer.
You must also have earned £30 a week averaged over any 13 weeks in your test period.
You can claim at any time once you are 26 weeks pregnant.
If you do not qualify for Maternity Allowance, you might qualify for Lower rate Maternity Allowance.
Lower rate Maternity Allowance
If you help your partner run their own business, you might be able to get a new Lower rate of Maternity Allowance.
To qualify, you must not be eligible for Statutory Maternity Pay or the higher rate of Maternity Allowance for the same pregnancy, and for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your baby is due, you must:
• be married or in a civil partnership with someone who is self-employed
• not be employed or self-employed yourself
• take part in the business of your self-employed spouse or civil partner
• not be paid for the work you do for the business.
Your spouse or civil partner must be registered as self-employed with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and should pay Class 2 National Insurance.
For further information, see Gov.UK Maternity Benefits Guidance