Maternity allowance is usually paid if You do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay.

 

The amount of the benefit is £ 145.18 per week or 90% of Your average weekly earnings. Maternity benefit is paid for up to 39 weeks.

 

You can apply for maternity allowance after the 26th week of pregnancy. The benefit will be paid 11 weeks before the planned delivery date at the earliest.

 

You are entitled to maternity allowance if you are employed, but cannot apply for Statutory Maternity Pay or if You are self-employed and pay Class 2 National Insurance contributions or have a Small Earnings Exception certificate. As a self-employed person, You must be working for at least 26 weeks at 66 weeks before delivery and earn at least £30 a week to qualify.