Maternity Allowance is a government benefit designed to support women during their maternity leave.
Understanding how long you can claim this allowance is necessary in planning your finances during this important period.
How Long Can You Claim Maternity Allowance?
You can claim Maternity Allowance for up to 39 weeks.
This means that if you take the full 52 weeks of Statutory Maternity Leave, the final 13 weeks will be unpaid.
It’s important to note that while you can claim for up to 39 weeks, the actual duration you receive it for depends on your eligibility and the unique circumstances of your employment or self-employment.
Who is Eligible for Maternity Allowance?
To be eligible for Maternity Allowance, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Employed but unable to claim Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP): This typically applies if you haven’t worked for your employer long enough to qualify for SMP.
- Self-employed and paying Class 2 National Insurance: You must have paid Class 2 National Insurance contributions for at least 13 of the 66 weeks before your baby is due.
- Recently stopped working: If you’ve recently stopped working, you might be eligible under certain conditions.
How Much Maternity Allowance Will You Get?
The amount of Maternity Allowance you receive depends on your National Insurance contributions:
- If you have paid at least 13 weeks of Class 2 National Insurance: You will receive £184.03 per week or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is less).
- If you have paid less than 13 weeks of Class 2 National Insurance: You can still claim Maternity Allowance, but the amount will be lower and depends on the number of contributions you have made.
When Can You Start Claiming Maternity Allowance?
You can apply for Maternity Allowance as soon as you’re 26 weeks pregnant.
However, the earliest you can start receiving payments is 11 weeks before your baby is due.
Can I Increase My Maternity Allowance?
Yes, you can potentially increase your Maternity Allowance.
If you have paid less than 13 weeks of Class 2 National Insurance, HMRC will contact you after you apply.
They will inform you about the number of additional contributions you need to make to receive the full amount.
By paying these additional contributions, you can increase your Maternity Allowance to £184.03 per week and receive backdated payments.
What if I Don’t Qualify for Maternity Allowance?
If you don’t qualify for Maternity Allowance, you might be eligible for other benefits such as Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Universal Credit.
It’s important to check your eligibility for these benefits to ensure you receive financial support during your maternity leave.
Can I Work While Claiming Maternity Allowance?
The rules regarding work while claiming Maternity Allowance are complex.
Generally, you can undertake some work without affecting your Maternity Allowance, but you must notify the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
You must also understand the specific rules and regulations to avoid any issues.
How Do I Apply for Maternity Allowance?
You can apply for Maternity Allowance online through the GOV.UK website.
You will need to provide personal details, employment information, and details of your pregnancy.
What Evidence Do I Need to Provide?
To support your Maternity Allowance claim, you might need to provide evidence such as:
- Your National Insurance number
- Proof of your pregnancy (e.g. maternity notes)
- Details of your employment or self-employment
- Bank details for payment
Can I Get Maternity Allowance if I’m Self-Employed?
Yes, you can claim Maternity Allowance if you are self-employed and have paid the necessary Class 2 National Insurance contributions.
The eligibility criteria and the amount you receive will be different from those who are employed.