Maternity Allowance

Maternity Allowance is a United Kingdom state benefit for women who are working but not entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay.

Main conditions

Women who are unable to get Statutory Maternity Pay. Entitlement starts at the 11th week before the baby is due.[1]

Amount

£148.68 a week or 90% of average weekly earnings (whichever is lower). It’s paid for up to 39 weeks and is not taxable or means-tested.

How to Claim

A certificate giving the expected date of confinement and proof of income are needed. If the employer has refused Statutory Maternity Pay they should issue form SMP1. You must claim within 3 months of being entitled.

Earnings rule

No benefit is payable for any day worked.

Contribution test

You must have worked for at least 26 weeks out of the last 66 weeks ending with the 15th week before your baby is due and been earning at least £30 a week over any 13 week period

Effect on other benefits

You cannot get this together with any other Contributory Benefit or Jobseeker's Allowance. It counts in full as income for Income Support or Housing Benefit, but it is ignored for Tax Credits. If you cannot get Maternity Allowance you might get Employment and Support Allowance.

References
  1. "Benefits for families and children". AdviceGuide. Citizens Advice. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
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