Maternity Allowance
Support for those who do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay.
Financial Support
Last updated: 5 September 2026
What it is about
Maternity Allowance is a payment you can get when you take time off to have a baby, designed for those who don't qualify for standard Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) from an employer.
What is involved
You may qualify if you:
- Are employed but cannot get Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)
- Are self-employed
- Have recently stopped working
- Do unpaid work for the business of your spouse or civil partner
Note: We haven't listed the weekly payment rate here yet, but you can check the exact current rate via GOV.UK.
Timeframes
You can submit your application once you've been pregnant for 26 weeks (around 14 weeks before a standard 40-week due date).
Payments can start anytime between the 11th week before your due date and the day after the baby is born.
What you benefit from
You can receive Maternity Allowance payments for up to 39 weeks.