Maternity Allowance for Self-Employed in the UK
- Jerelyn Aglibao
- Aug 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 17
What Is Maternity Allowance?
If you work for yourself and can’t get regular Statutory Maternity Pay, you can apply for Maternity Allowance. It’s a government payment for up to 39 weeks of leave to help cover living costs while you’re taking time off to have your baby.
Who Can Claim It?
To qualify, you must:
Be registered as self-employed with HMRC for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your baby is due.
Have paid at least 13 weeks of Class 2 National Insurance contributions during that time to receive the full rate of the allowance.
If you’ve paid less than 13 weeks of contributions, you’ll get a lower amount—but you may be able to top up with voluntary payments after applying to get more.
How Much Will You Get?
If you meet the full criteria, you’ll get up to £187.18 per week (or the actual lower amount depending on your contributions) for up to 39 weeks.
If you’ve paid no contributions, you’ll get around £27 per week.
How to Apply for Maternity Allowance?
Step 1. Check your eligibility. Make sure you meet the self-employed requirements.
Step 2. Mark your calendar. You can only apply once you’re at least 26 weeks pregnant. Work out that date so you’re ready to submit your claim on time.
Step 3. Get your proof of due date. Ask your midwife or GP for your MAT B1 certificate—this confirms your expected due date.
Step 4. Fill out the MA1 claim form.
You can complete the MA1 form online via the GOV.UK website.
Or print it and post it to the address shown on the form.
Step 5. Gather and send your documents. Send your completed MA1 form with:
Your MAT B1 certificate
Any payslips, invoices, or records to show your earnings (if requested)
Step 6. Choose your start date. Payments can start as early as 11 weeks before your due date. Apply within 3 months of your chosen start date—if you apply later, you could lose some payments.
Step 7. Wait for confirmation. HMRC will send you a decision letter telling you:
If you’ve been approved
How much you’ll get each week
When payments will start
Typical Problems & How to Handle Them
Low Income During Leave.
Many self-employed parents struggle with the low allowance—often less than half the minimum wage—while still having bills to pay.
Tip: Know what you'll likely get using the GOV.UK maternity calculator and budget ahead.
Uncertainty About Contribution Weeks.
It can be confusing to count those 13 weeks of Class 2 contributions—especially if you've had gaps in your work.
Tip: Use the GOV.UK maternity entitlement calculator to check your eligibility or make voluntary payments before the claim to raise your weekly amount.
Applying too late.
Delaying your claim could cut weeks of pay.
Tip: Mark the 26th week of pregnancy on your calendar and apply right away.
Step-by-Step Example
Emma runs a small cake business in Leamington Spa. Her baby is due on 1 December 2025. She has been self-employed since January 2024, earning more than £30 per week, and has kept up with her Class 2 National Insurance payments. She wants to take time off before the baby arrives but is worried about losing income.
Step 1 – Check eligibility
Emma confirms she:
Has worked for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before her due date.
Earned £30/week or more for at least 13 of those weeks.
Paid Class 2 National Insurance contributions.
Step 2 – Mark the earliest application date
Emma works out she can apply once she is 26 weeks pregnant, which is 10 June 2025.
Step 3 – Get proof of due date
She visits her midwife and asks for her MAT B1 certificate.
Step 4 – Complete the MA1 claim form
On 10 June 2025, Emma fills in the MA1 form online at GOV.UK.
Step 5 – Gather and send documents
She attaches her MAT B1 certificate and submits the form electronically. (If posting, she could have used the Leamington Spa post office.)
Step 6 – Choose start date
Emma wants payments to start 13 September 2025—exactly 11 weeks before her due date.
Step 7 – Wait for HMRC confirmation
A few weeks later, HMRC sends a letter confirming she’ll get £150/week for 39 weeks, starting on her chosen date.
Final Thoughts
Taking time off to welcome your baby is important, and with the right planning, you can make sure your finances are covered. Maternity Allowance can give self-employed parents valuable support, but knowing when and how to apply makes all the difference.
