This is what you may get if you change jobs while pregnant, are not earning enough to get SMP (Statutory Maternity Pay), if you are self-employed, or are unemployed but have worked in the year and a quarter before your baby is due

Maternity Allowance

• for women who have changed jobs during pregnancy and/or
• for women who have had periods of low earnings or unemployment during pregnancy
• for self-employed women

What is it?

A weekly allowance for 39 weeks, for women who work just before or during their pregnancy but who can't get SMP.

Who gets it?

You can claim Maternity Allowance if you have worked and earned at least £30 per week for at least 26 of the 66 weeks before the expected week of childbirth. If in doubt, claim at the JobCentre Plus, on form MA1.

How much is Maternity Allowance?

Maternity Allowance is £112.75 or 90 per cent of your average earnings if this is less. You must claim within three months of giving birth or you may lose the benefit.

If you are not entitled to Maternity Allowance, the JobCentre Plus will use the same claim form to check whether you might be entitled to Incapacity Benefit.

Maternity Allowance is also available for self-employed women. You will be treated as working and earning enough to get the top of Maternity Allowance in any week you pay Class 2 National Insurance. In any week you hold a Small Earnings Exemption Certificate you will be treated as having earnings of £30.

For more information, send £1 and an SAE for the Maternity Alliance leaflet Maternity Allowance and Incapacity Benefit.

Information supplied by: The Maternity Alliance
2-6 Northburgh Street
London EC1V 0AY
Advice line 020 7490 7638

The Maternity Alliance Education and Research Trust is a registered charity no. 285804. Give as You Earn registration no. 00000773