The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) offers Maternity Allowance, a financial benefit designed to support expecting and new mums who do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP). If eligible, you could receive up to £184.03 per week for 39 weeks, totaling £7,117.17. This benefit is aimed at helping mums take time off work after having a baby.
Who Can Receive Maternity Allowance?
You may qualify for Maternity Allowance if you are:
- Employed but not receiving Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)
- Self-employed
- Recently stopped working
The payment is designed to bridge the gap for those who are not eligible for SMP through their employer.
How Much Can You Get?
If eligible, you could receive:
- Up to £184.03 per week
- For a maximum of 39 weeks
However, if you take the full 52 weeks of maternity leave, the final 13 weeks will be unpaid since Maternity Allowance has a 39-week limit.
When Can You Start Receiving Maternity Allowance?
You can claim Maternity Allowance as soon as you have been pregnant for 26 weeks. Payments can begin anytime:
- From 11 weeks before your due date
- Up until the day after your baby is born
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for Maternity Allowance, you must meet one of the following criteria in the 66 weeks before your baby is due:
If You Were Employed:
Worked for at least 26 weeks
Earned at least £30 per week for at least 13 weeks (these weeks do not have to be consecutive)
If You Were Self-Employed:
Registered as self-employed for at least 26 weeks
If you had different jobs or experienced periods of unemployment, this does not automatically disqualify you.
What If You Lose the Baby?
You may still qualify for Maternity Allowance if:
- The baby was born alive at any point during pregnancy
- The baby was stillborn after 24 weeks of pregnancy
Can Maternity Allowance Affect Other Benefits?
Yes, receiving Maternity Allowance may impact other benefits, including:
- Carer Support Payment
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) (this will stop if you get Maternity Allowance)
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Reduction
- Carer’s Allowance
- Bereavement benefits
- Universal Credit
However, official guidance states that in most cases, payments will either increase or remain the same.
How to Apply for Maternity Allowance
To claim Maternity Allowance, you need to:
- Fill out the MA1 form (available on GOV.UK).
- Provide proof of income (e.g., payslips or self-employment records).
- Submit proof of the baby’s due date or birth (e.g., a medical certificate from a doctor or midwife).
The DWP’s Maternity Allowance is a vital financial support for mums who do not receive Statutory Maternity Pay. With up to £184.03 per week for 39 weeks, this benefit ensures that expecting and new mothers can take time off work to care for their newborn. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you should apply as early as possible to secure your payments.
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FAQ’s
What is Maternity Allowance?
Maternity Allowance is a financial benefit provided by the DWP for mums who do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP).
How much is Maternity Allowance?
You can receive up to £184.03 per week for a maximum of 39 weeks, totaling £7,117.17.
Who is eligible for Maternity Allowance?
You may qualify if you are employed but not receiving SMP, self-employed, or recently stopped working.
When can I start receiving Maternity Allowance?
You can claim Maternity Allowance once you’ve been pregnant for 26 weeks, with payments starting from 11 weeks before your due date.
What if I was unemployed or had different jobs?
Periods of unemployment do not automatically disqualify you, as long as you worked for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your due date.
Can I get Maternity Allowance if I lose the baby?
Yes, if the baby was born alive at any point or was stillborn after 24 weeks of pregnancy, you may still qualify.
Does Maternity Allowance affect other benefits?
Yes, it may impact benefits like Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, and Carer’s Allowance, but payments usually stay the same or increase.
How do I apply for Maternity Allowance?
You need to fill out the MA1 form and provide proof of income and the baby’s due date or birth.
