A payment for pregnant people and new parents who cannot get Statutory Maternity Pay, for example if self-employed or recently changed jobs.
Many people who are entitled to support never claim it. Check who qualifies, how much you could get and how to make your claim through the official channel.
The rules depend on where you live in the UK and on your household’s circumstances.
What Maternity Allowance offers
- Up to 39 weeks: Paid for up to 39 weeks.
- Self-employed: Available to self-employed people who pay Class 2 contributions or have enough work history.
- Not taxed: Maternity Allowance is not taxable.
- Claim from 26 weeks: You can claim once you've been pregnant for 26 weeks.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who can get it | People who are pregnant or recently had a baby and cannot get Statutory Maternity Pay |
| How much | £194.32 a week or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is less, for up to 39 weeks (2026/27); lower rates in some cases |
| How it's paid | Every 2 or 4 weeks into your account |
| How to claim | Fill in the MA1 claim form online or by post |
Key points
Up to 39 weeks: Paid for up to 39 weeks.
Self-employed: Available to self-employed people who pay Class 2 contributions or have enough work history.
Not taxed: Maternity Allowance is not taxable.
About Department for Work and Pensions
Maternity Allowance is run by Department for Work and Pensions. Claims are made free of charge through the official government channel.
We explain the rules independently and then send you to the official page to claim. We are not a government website.
Amounts and rules can change. The decision on your claim is made by Department for Work and Pensions.