Maternity Allowance could be considered if you are not due Statutory Maternity Pay from your employer. You can claim Maternity Allowance once you’ve been pregnant for 26 weeks. Payments can start 11 weeks before your baby is due. You might get Maternity Allowance for 39 weeks if one of the following applies:
- you’re employed, but you cannot get Statutory Maternity Pay
- you’re self-employed and pay Class 2 National Insurance (including voluntary National Insurance)
- you’ve recently stopped working
For more information on Maternity Allowance and to find out if you’re eligible to claim it, visit GOV.UK – Maternity Allowance.
Jobcentre Plus
Telephone: 0800 055 6688
Textphone: 0800 023 4888
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Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 055 6688