Maternity Allowance for Self-Employed UK 2026: How to Claim & How Much You'll Get
If you're self-employed and pregnant (or planning to be), you won't get Statutory Maternity Pay — that's for employees. But you can get Maternity Allowance, and it's worth up to £8,892. Here's everything you need to know.
What Is Maternity Allowance?
Maternity Allowance (MA) is a government benefit for women who can't get Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP). It's specifically designed for:
- Self-employed women
- Women who recently stopped working
- Women who don't qualify for SMP through an employer
It's paid by the DWP (not HMRC), and you apply directly to them.
Am I Eligible?
To qualify for Maternity Allowance as a self-employed person, you need to meet both of these:
- Registered as self-employed with HMRC — and paying Class 2 National Insurance (or holding a Small Earnings Exception certificate)
- Self-employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66-week "test period" — the 66 weeks before your due date (the weeks don't need to be consecutive)
The 26 weeks don't need to be full weeks of work — even a small amount of self-employment in any given week counts.
How Much Will I Get?
Standard Rate (Most Self-Employed Women)
If you've been paying Class 2 NI contributions: £184.03 per week for up to 39 weeks.
That's a total of up to £7,177 (2025/26 rate — the 2026/27 rate will be confirmed in the Autumn Statement).
Reduced Rate
If you have a Small Earnings Exception (because your profits are below the threshold), you'll get £27 per week for 39 weeks (£1,053 total).
Key insight: If you're close to the Small Earnings Exemption threshold, it can be worth voluntarily paying Class 2 NI to qualify for the full rate. Class 2 NI is just £3.45/week — the return on investment is enormous.
When Can I Claim?
- Earliest claim: 26 weeks before your due date
- Earliest start date: 11 weeks before your due date
- You can start later if you want to work closer to your due date — the 39 weeks of payment adjust accordingly
You can also do what's called "Keeping in Touch" (KIT) days — up to 10 days of work during your MA period without losing any payments.
How to Apply
Step 1: Get Form MA1
Download form MA1 from GOV.UK or request a paper copy by calling the MA helpline on 0800 169 0283.
Step 2: Gather Your Evidence
You'll need:
- MATB1 certificate — your midwife or GP gives you this around week 20
- Proof of self-employment: Your SA302 (tax calculation) or a letter from HMRC confirming your self-employment registration
- National Insurance number
Step 3: Submit
Post the completed MA1 form plus your MATB1 certificate to the address on the form. Unfortunately, there's no online application yet.
Step 4: Wait
Processing usually takes about 24 working days. You'll receive a decision letter confirming your weekly amount and payment dates.
What About Tax?
Maternity Allowance is not taxable. It doesn't count as income for Self Assessment purposes. You don't need to declare it on your tax return.
However, your self-employment income during the same period is still taxable — including any work you do during KIT days.
Planning Your Business While You're Off
This is the bit nobody talks about. Here are practical things to sort before your due date:
- Notify your clients early — give them at least 8-12 weeks' notice. Recommend a trusted colleague who can cover your work.
- Invoice everything outstanding — chase any unpaid invoices before you go. Use our payment reminder templates to get paid before you're off.
- Set up auto-responders — email and social media, with a return date and alternative contact.
- Consider passive income — digital products, templates, or recurring retainers that don't require active work. See our product templates for ideas.
- Batch work in advance — if you create content or deliver projects, front-load as much as possible.
Maternity Allowance vs Statutory Maternity Pay
| Maternity Allowance (Self-Employed) | Statutory Maternity Pay (Employed) | |
|---|---|---|
| Paid by | DWP | Your employer |
| Amount | Flat rate: £184.03/week | 90% of salary (6 weeks) then £184.03/week |
| Duration | 39 weeks | 39 weeks |
| Taxable? | No | Yes |
| NI qualification | Class 2 contributions | Earnings above LEL |
Shared Parental Leave
Self-employed people can't access Shared Parental Leave (that's for employees). However, if your partner is employed, they may be able to take Shared Parental Leave — and you can "curtail" your MA early to enable this.
It's worth looking into if your partner's employer offers enhanced shared parental pay.
Don't Forget: National Insurance Credits
While receiving Maternity Allowance, you automatically get National Insurance credits. This means the time you're off doesn't create gaps in your NI record (important for your State Pension).
Key Takeaway
If you're self-employed and paying Class 2 NI, you're entitled to up to £7,177 in Maternity Allowance. The application is paper-based and takes a few weeks, so start early. And use the time before your due date to get your cash flow in order and your invoices paid.