UK-wide
Maternity Allowance
Last verified: 4 October 2026. We check the official source every night. How we verify.
A payment for 39 weeks if you are employed or self-employed but cannot get Statutory Maternity Pay from an employer.
How much you could get
The amount depends on your circumstances. We do not publish a figure unless it is tied to a tax year and an official source.
Check the current amount on the official page.
Who can claim
You usually need to have been employed or self-employed for a set period, meet an earnings threshold, and be pregnant or have recently given birth. This is a contribution and work-based benefit, not a means-tested one.
Eligibility conditions
These are the structured conditions Benefit Badger uses in the eligibility check. They are a guide, not a decision.
- You live in the UK.
- You are of working age.
- You are pregnant or have recently given birth.
- You are or recently were employed or self-employed.
Check if Maternity Allowance may apply to you
It usually takes about 5 minutes. You do not need to create an account. This is guidance, not a government decision.
When it may not apply
If your employer can pay Statutory Maternity Pay, you usually get that instead. This check cannot confirm SMP versus Maternity Allowance without employment records.
Where you live
Maternity Allowance is available UK-wide, but the claim route can still differ across nations.
Browse benefits in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, or the A–Z list.
Does Maternity Allowance affect Universal Credit?
Maternity Allowance is taken into account as income for Universal Credit. Statutory Maternity Pay is treated differently because it is paid by an employer. Check GOV.UK for how each is treated rather than assuming they are the same.
How to claim
- Check Statutory Maternity Pay with your employer first. If you can get SMP, you usually get that instead of Maternity Allowance. GOV.UK explains how to tell the two apart. Official page
- Claim with the MA1 form from GOV.UK. Maternity Allowance is claimed from DWP, not HMRC and not your employer. The how-to-claim page has the current form. Official page
- Have employment or self-employment records for the test period. You need to show work and earnings over a set period. Payslips, SA records or a certificate from your employer may be asked for.
- Post the form to the address on GOV.UK. Do not send it to Benefit Badger. Keep a copy and any proof of postage.
Official sources
- Maternity Allowance — GOV.UK (primary source)
Related benefits
See all children and pregnancy benefits.
What else you might claim
Source: Department for Work and Pensions. This page is guidance from an independent service, not a government decision. Only the relevant government department can confirm eligibility and make a payment.
Check if this may apply to you
It usually takes about 5 minutes. You do not need to create an account. This is guidance, not a government decision.