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MA1 Maternity Allowance (UK)

Maternity Pay for Self-Employed and Non-SMP Eligible

Easy ~20 min MaternityPregnancyBenefitsUK

/ What is this form?

Maternity Allowance is for pregnant women who can't get Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) from an employer — typically self-employed women, those who recently changed jobs, or those who don't earn enough for SMP. Up to £184.03/week for 39 weeks. Claim from week 26 of pregnancy.

/ Who needs this form?

  • Self-employed women who pay National Insurance
  • Women who changed or left their job during pregnancy
  • Women who don't qualify for SMP (less than 26 weeks with employer or earning below £123/week)
  • Agency workers and those on zero-hours contracts

/ What you need before you start

MA1 claim form (from Jobcentre Plus or download from gov.uk)
MATB1 certificate from your doctor or midwife (original, not a copy — issued from week 20)
Proof of employment or self-employment over the past 66 weeks
National Insurance number
Bank account details for payment

/ Step-by-step guide

1 Check Eligibility
You qualify if you've been employed or self-employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your due date, and you're not eligible for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP). Self-employed women paying Class 2 NI contributions typically qualify.
2 Get Your MATB1 Certificate
Your doctor or midwife issues this maternity certificate from week 20 of pregnancy. You need the original (not a copy). It confirms your expected week of childbirth.
3 Claim from Week 26 of Pregnancy
You can claim MA from week 26 of pregnancy, up to 3 months before your baby is due. Don't wait — payments can only be backdated 3 months.
4 Complete Form MA1
Fill in your personal details, employment history over the past 66 weeks, and bank details for payment. Include proof of employment or self-employment.
5 Submit to Jobcentre Plus
Mail or deliver the completed MA1 form with the original MATB1 certificate to your local Jobcentre Plus. Payments are made directly to your bank account, usually every 2 or 4 weeks.

/ Key fields explained

Field What to enter Common mistake
MATB1 Original maternity certificate issued by your doctor or midwife from week 20 of pregnancy Must submit the original MATB1, not a photocopy — Jobcentre Plus will return photocopies

/ Common mistakes to avoid

Claiming too late — payments can only be backdated 3 months
Not realising self-employed women qualify if they pay Class 2 NI contributions
Confusing MA (government benefit) with SMP (employer payment) — only one can be received

/ Frequently asked questions

How much is Maternity Allowance?

Up to £184.03/week for 39 weeks (2024/25). Self-employed women paying Class 2 NI receive the flat rate. Employed women who don't qualify for SMP may receive a lower rate based on average weekly earnings.

When does my Maternity Allowance start?

You choose your start date — it can begin 11 weeks before your due date at the earliest. Most women start when they stop work.