Reviewed by Mustafa Bilgic
Founder, WebCalculator
Maternity Allowance rates use the 2026/27 weekly maximum (£194.32) as published by GOV.UK. MA is tax-free. Not financial advice.
The Maternity Allowance calculator estimates your weekly MA payment for 2026/27 if you are self-employed or do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay. Maternity Allowance pays up to £194.32 a week for 39 weeks and is completely tax-free, unlike SMP.
Weekly MA and 39-week total
Many women assume SMP is the only maternity benefit. Maternity Allowance is a separate payment from Jobcentre Plus for women who have been working but do not meet the SMP rules — typically because they are self-employed, changed employer during pregnancy, or earn below the Lower Earnings Limit.
| SMP | MA | |
|---|---|---|
| Paid by | Employer | Jobcentre Plus |
| First 6 weeks | 90% of AWE | Flat rate throughout |
| Weeks 7–39 | £194.32 or 90% | £194.32 or 90% |
| Tax | Taxable | Tax-free |
| Service needed | 26 wks with 1 employer | 26 of 66 wks in any work |
Because MA is tax-free, your actual spending power during the flat-rate period is the same as SMP even though SMP is taxed — both put roughly £194 a week into your pocket at the flat rate.
You can claim if you have been employed or self-employed for at least 26 weeks of the 66 weeks before your expected week of childbirth. You do not need 26 continuous weeks with one employer — any combination counts. Self-employed women must have paid Class 2 NI for at least 13 of those 66 weeks.
If your average weekly earnings are below £30, you may qualify for a reduced MA rate of £27 a week. If you earn nothing, you may be eligible for Universal Credit instead.
Maternity Allowance pays up to £194.32 a week for 39 weeks. You receive £194.32 or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. At the full rate the 39-week total is £7,578.48.
You can claim MA if you are self-employed and have paid Class 2 National Insurance for at least 13 of the 66 weeks before your due date, or if you are employed but do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay because you changed jobs during pregnancy, have not worked long enough for one employer, or earn below the Lower Earnings Limit of £125 a week.
Yes. Unlike Statutory Maternity Pay, Maternity Allowance is not subject to Income Tax or National Insurance. You receive the full weekly amount without any deductions.
For employed claimants, Jobcentre Plus looks at your highest-paid 13 weeks out of the 66 weeks before your due date, averages them, and uses that figure. For self-employed claimants who have paid Class 2 NI, you automatically qualify for the flat rate.
You can do up to 10 Keeping In Touch (KIT) days without losing MA. Beyond that, any week you work at all reduces your entitlement by one week. Self-employed women who do any work in a week lose MA for that week.
SMP is paid by your employer and gives 90% of earnings for 6 weeks then the flat rate for 33 weeks. MA is paid by Jobcentre Plus at a flat rate (or 90% if lower) for all 39 weeks. SMP is taxable; MA is tax-free. SMP requires 26 weeks with one employer; MA has broader eligibility.