You can apply as soon as you’ve been pregnant for 26 weeks. The amount depends on whether you were employed or self-employed, and for the self-employed, on your Class 2 National Insurance.
Quick facts
- Paid for
- Up to 39 weeks
- Employed
- £194.32 a week or 90% of earnings
- Self-employed
- £27 to £194.32 a week
- Apply from
- 26 weeks pregnant
- Paid
- Every 2 or 4 weeks
Who can get it — the full rules
Maternity Allowance is a payment you can get when you take time off to have a baby. You could get it if you:
- are employed but cannot get Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)
- are self-employed
- have recently stopped working
- take part in unpaid work for the business of your spouse or civil partner
You can get Maternity Allowance for up to 39 weeks if you’ve been employed or registered as self-employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your baby’s due.
If you’ve been employed, you must have been earning (or classed as earning) £30 a week or more in at least 13 weeks of your employment. The weeks do not have to be together.
How much you get
You’ll get £194.32 a week or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is less) for up to 39 weeks if you’re employed or have recently stopped working.
You can get between £27 to £194.32 a week for up to 39 weeks if you’re self-employed.
How much you get depends on how many Class 2 National Insurance contributions you’ve made in the 66 weeks before your baby is due. After you apply, HMRC will tell you how many extra contributions would get you the maximum.
If you get other benefits
Any money you get can affect your other benefits. Your Universal Credit payment will be reduced by an amount equal to your Maternity Allowance payment.
Jobseeker’s Allowance stops if you get Maternity Allowance.
How to apply
You can apply for Maternity Allowance as soon as you’ve been pregnant for 26 weeks. Payments can start any time between the 11th week before your baby is due and the day after the baby is born.
Maternity Allowance is paid every 2 or 4 weeks.
Common questions
How much is Maternity Allowance in 2026/27?
Up to £194.32 a week, or 90% of your average weekly earnings if less, for up to 39 weeks. The self-employed get between £27 and £194.32 a week.
Can I get Maternity Allowance if I am self-employed?
Yes, if you have been registered as self-employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your baby is due.
When can I apply?
As soon as you have been pregnant for 26 weeks.
Does it affect Universal Credit?
Yes. Universal Credit is reduced by the same amount as your Maternity Allowance.