Many self-employed women and people between jobs do not realise they can get this. The rules below are nidirect's, for Northern Ireland.
Quick facts
- Most you get
- £194.32 a week, or 90% of your earnings if less
- For
- Up to 39 weeks
- Claim from
- 26 weeks pregnant
- Starts
- Up to 11 weeks before your due date
- Earnings test
- £30 a week over any 13 weeks
- On Universal Credit
- UC is reduced by the same amount
Who can get it — the full rules
You could get it for 39 weeks if you are employed but cannot get Statutory Maternity Pay, are self-employed, or have recently stopped working. In the 66 weeks before your baby is due, you must have:
- been employed or self-employed for at least 26 weeks
- earned, or been classed as earning, at least £30 a week over any 13 weeks, which do not have to be together
Different jobs or gaps in work do not matter.
How much you get
- £194.32 a week, or 90 per cent of your average weekly earnings if that is less, for up to 39 weeks
- between £27 and £194.32 a week for 39 weeks, if you are self-employed and have not paid enough Class 2 National Insurance
- £27 a week for up to 14 weeks, if you work unpaid in your spouse's or civil partner's business
If you get Universal Credit
Your Universal Credit is reduced by the same amount as your Maternity Allowance. You may still get an extra amount of Universal Credit for your children. Report it in your Universal Credit account when it starts.
How to claim
Claim once you have been pregnant for 26 weeks. Payments can start up to 11 weeks before your baby is due. If the baby is stillborn after 24 weeks, or born alive at any point, you may still qualify.
Common questions
How much is Maternity Allowance in Northern Ireland?
Up to £194.32 a week, or 90 per cent of your average weekly earnings if less, for up to 39 weeks.
When can I claim Maternity Allowance?
Once you have been pregnant for 26 weeks. Payments can start 11 weeks before your due date.
Can I get Maternity Allowance if I am self-employed?
Yes. How much you get depends on your Class 2 National Insurance contributions.
Does Maternity Allowance affect Universal Credit?
Yes. Universal Credit is reduced by an amount equal to your Maternity Allowance.