Care and support

Maternity allowance (MA)

Entitlement to maternity allowance is based on your average earnings.

You will get maternity allowance if you:-

• have been employed or self-employed for at least 26 weeks of the 66 weeks before the week the baby is due; and
• earn at least £30 a week on average. Payments from all your jobs if you have more than one will count towards the average.

You may get maternity allowance if you meet the above conditions but are no longer working, or have recently changed jobs, and you cannot get SMP.

How much maternity allowance will I get?

The amount of maternity allowance is either 90% of your average weekly earnings or £117.18 per week, whichever is less.

You can get maternity allowance from the 11th week before the week the baby is due. MA is paid for 39 weeks.

How do I claim maternity allowance?

Claim on form MA1 available from jobcentre plus on 0845 6088 595. You can download a claim form from www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk or forms may be available from your antenatal clinic, or by returning the coupon in leaflet ‘babies and benefits’.

Send the form back with a maternity certificate (MAT B1) and wage slips, when you are about 26 weeks pregnant.