When you are not entitled to maternity allowance or statutory maternity pay, even though you are pregnant, this is what you may get:

Incapacity Benefit

• for women who have paid some National Insurance contributions during the last three years, but not many recently

What is it?

A weekly allowance that can be paid to women who don't qualify for SMP or Maternity Allowance.

Who gets it?

You get Incapacity Benefit if you have enough National Insurance contributions in earlier tax years. Claim if you paid National Insurance contributions during the last two tax years that do not overlap the current calendar year. Your local JobCentre Plus will work out whether you can get the benefit. If you have paid any National Insurance contributions in the last two or three years you may qualify. If in doubt, claim.

Make a claim for Maternity Allowance (see above). If you are not entitled to it, the JobCentre Plus should check automatically to see if you can get Incapacity Benefit.

How much is it?

£61.35 per week from six weeks before your baby is due until two weeks after your baby is born.

For more information, contact the JobCentre Plus or call Working Families helpline on 0800 013 0313