Maternity allowance for self-employed mothers

Being self-employed has many perks, however when it comes to planning a family it is important that you know what to expect. Unlike expectant mothers who have an employer, self-employed workers do not recieve Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP).

Statutory Maternity Pay is designed to support pregnant employees during their maternity and is only available to mothers who are currently on an employer’s payroll.

However, in the UK, women who do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay may be eligible for Maternity Allowance (MA) instead, so self employed mothers are entitled to this instead which can help them through their maternity.

To qualify, the mother must have been self-employed for a minimum of 26 weeks before the rest period (66 weeks up to the due date.)

Maternity Allowance is paid over 39 weeks at an average of 90% of your wages before tax or £138.18, dependant on what is the smaller amount.

Click here for more information on Maternity Leave, including recent changes to shared parental leave and what it means for both employers and employees.