Maternity Allowance Application Support in the UK

If you’re pregnant and do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP), Maternity Allowance can be a vital source of income while you take time off to have your baby.

But the application process is not always straightforward.

You’re asked about:

• the 66-week “test period”,
• whether you worked 26 weeks in that period,
• whether you earned £30+ per week in at least 13 weeks,
• how many Class 2 National Insurance contributions you’ve paid if you’re self-employed,
• how other benefits, like Universal Credit, will be affected. (https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/eligibility)

You also have to send the right evidence, complete a detailed MA1 claim form (paper or online), and choose the best date for your Maternity Allowance to start. Delays, errors and missing information are common – and can cost you real money.

At Audit Consulting Group (ACG) we provide practical, calm and professional help with the Maternity Allowance application process – especially for:

• self-employed women,
• women working on zero-hours or agency contracts,
• women who recently stopped work,
• partners doing unpaid work in a spouse’s business,
• directors of their own limited companies.

We don’t work for the DWP and we don’t decide your benefit. Our role is to make sure your dates, earnings and documents are correct and clearly presented, so the decision maker has exactly what they need.

What Is Maternity Allowance and Who Is It For?

Maternity Allowance is a payment from the UK government for people who take time off to have a baby but cannot get Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) from an employer.

You might be able to claim Maternity Allowance if you:

• are employed but don’t qualify for SMP,
• are self-employed,
• have recently stopped working,
• do unpaid work for your spouse’s or civil partner’s business.

You can usually get Maternity Allowance for up to 39 weeks, or 14 weeks if you only qualify through unpaid work for your partner’s business.

Payments can start any time from 11 weeks before the week your baby is due, up to the day after the baby is born.

Maternity Allowance vs Statutory Maternity Pay – What’s the Difference?

It’s very easy to confuse Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) and Maternity Allowance (MA).

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)

SMP is paid by your employer if you:

• have been employed by the same employer long enough (usually at least 26 weeks by your qualifying week), and
• earn at least the lower earnings limit.

If you qualify for SMP, you cannot get Maternity Allowance for the same job and pregnancy.

Maternity Allowance (MA)

Maternity Allowance is paid by the government (DWP) rather than an employer. It’s designed for people who:

• don’t qualify for SMP, or
• are self-employed, or
• have a mix of jobs and self-employment.

You apply directly to DWP using the MA1 form, not through your employer.

One of the most common problems we see is women being told they don’t qualify for SMP, but then not being clearly guided on how to claim Maternity Allowance instead. That’s where we come in.

Basic Eligibility for Maternity Allowance

The rules are detailed, but in simple terms you may qualify for up to 39 weeks of Maternity Allowance if, in the 66 weeks before your baby is due, you have:

• been employed or self-employed for at least 26 weeks, and
• earned at least £30 a week (or been classed as earning this) in at least 13 of those weeks.

The 13 weeks do not have to be in a row and you can mix different jobs and self-employment – as long as they fall within the 66-week “test period”.

You may still qualify even if you:

• have recently stopped working,
• changed jobs several times,
• had gaps between jobs.

Self-employed

If you are self-employed, you generally need to have:

• been registered as self-employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66-week test period;
• paid (or be treated as having paid) Class 2 National Insurance contributions.

Your Class 2 contributions affect how much Maternity Allowance you get – you can sometimes top up contributions after you apply to increase your rate.

Unpaid work for your spouse or civil partner

If you’ve been doing unpaid work in your spouse’s or civil partner’s business, and they are registered as self-employed and paying Class 2 NI, you might qualify for Maternity Allowance for 14 weeks at a lower flat rate.

If you lose the baby

You may still qualify for Maternity Allowance if the baby is:

• stillborn from the start of the 24th week of pregnancy; or
• born alive at any point during the pregnancy.

We know these are very sensitive situations. Our team always handles such cases with care, respect and discretion.

How Much Maternity Allowance Can You Get?

What you get depends on your work pattern and contributions.

If you’re employed or recently stopped working

If you meet the earnings and weeks-worked conditions, you can get up to 39 weeks at:

• £187.18 a week or
• 90% of your average weekly earnings,

whichever is lower.

If you’re self-employed

You can get between £27 and £187.18 a week for up to 39 weeks, depending on how many weeks of Class 2 NI contributions you’ve paid in the 66-week test period.

• If you haven’t paid enough Class 2 NI, you may initially get £27 per week, but HMRC can give you the chance to top up your contributions after you apply, to increase your rate.

If you do unpaid work for your partner’s business

You can get £27 a week for up to 14 weeks if you qualify on this basis.

Maternity Allowance is usually paid every 2 or 4 weeks directly into your bank account.

When and How to Apply for Maternity Allowance

You can claim Maternity Allowance once you’ve been pregnant for 26 weeks. Payments can start up to 11 weeks before your baby is due.

You apply using the MA1 claim form (online or paper). With your form you usually need to send:

• your MAT B1 certificate from your midwife or doctor;
• payslips or other proof of earnings;
• proof of self-employment or partner’s self-employment where relevant;
• your SMP1 form if your employer has confirmed you don’t qualify for SMP.

If you delay sending your claim, you can lose money. There are time limits – if you claim more than 3 months after the date you want your Maternity Allowance to start, you may not get full backdating.

This timing, plus the test-period calculations, is where lots of people get stuck – and where working with us can save stress and potential underpayment.

How Maternity Allowance Affects Other Benefits

Maternity Allowance can affect other benefits you or your partner receive, such as:

• Universal Credit,
• some income-related benefits,
• certain contributory benefits.

For example, Maternity Allowance usually counts as income for Universal Credit, which can reduce your UC award. You cannot receive Maternity Allowance at the same time as some contributory benefits for the same period.

We can’t change DWP rules, but we can:

• help you understand the likely impact on your other benefits,
• check your figures and dates so Universal Credit reports match your Maternity Allowance claim,
• work alongside your wider benefits planning if we are already supporting you with UC, Child Benefit or Council Tax Support.

Why Clients Ask Audit Consulting Group for Help with Maternity Allowance

1. Clear eligibility and entitlement checks

We review your:

• work history in the 66-week test period,
• pattern of employment and self-employment,
• average weekly earnings,
• self-employed Class 2 NI contributions.

Then we explain in plain English whether you are likely to qualify, for how long, and at approximately what rate – based on the official rules, not guesses.

2. Accurate “test period” and earnings calculations

The MA1 form depends on getting your dates and earnings right:

• we calculate your 66-week test period automatically;
• identify the best 13 weeks of earnings where that helps your rate;
• check payslips, invoices or platform statements;
• align everything with your tax and accounting records.

This reduces the risk of underpayment or time-consuming DWP queries.

3. Help with MA1 form completion

We go through the MA1 Maternity Allowance claim form with you, explaining:

• how to answer questions about jobs, self-employment and unpaid work;
• how to complete sections about earnings and NI contributions;
• what to say about start dates and expected due date;
• how to record overlapping periods with SMP decisions, Universal Credit and other benefits.

You always sign and submit the form yourself – but with professional guidance at every step.

4. Organising evidence and supporting documents

We help you gather and organise:

• the MAT B1 certificate and any birth/stillbirth certificates;
• employer letters and SMP1 forms;
• self-employment evidence (HMRC registration, tax returns, Class 2 NI details);
• proof of unpaid work in a spouse’s business, where relevant.

Everything is checked for consistency: names, dates, addresses, amounts.

5. Structuring explanations for complex situations

If your situation isn’t “standard”, we prepare short, clear explanations that can be sent with your claim or in response to DWP queries, for example:

• gaps in work because of illness, caring or redundancy;
• switching between employment and self-employment;
• working in your partner’s business without a formal wage;
• test-period work in another country.

We don’t argue with the DWP on your behalf, but we make your case easy to understand, using accurate numbers and simple language.

6. Linking Maternity Allowance with your tax and business planning

For self-employed clients and company directors, we also:

• ensure your Maternity Allowance claim lines up with your Self Assessment tax return;
• help you plan around maternity – for example, adjusting Universal Credit reporting, budgeting for tax, or planning future work after maternity.

This “joined up” view is where many claimants realise they’ve been trying to juggle everything alone for too long.

Our Maternity Allowance Application Process

Step 1 – Free initial chat

You contact us and briefly explain your situation:

• when your baby is due,
• what kind of work you do (employed, self-employed, both),
• whether you’ve been told you don’t qualify for SMP,
• whether you’ve started or submitted an MA1 form already.

We tell you honestly if we can help and outline a likely fee.

Step 2 – Fixed-fee quote and engagement

If you’d like to proceed, we send:

• a simple engagement letter;
• a fixed-fee quote (typically from £120 + VAT for straightforward applications; complex mixed-income or international cases are quoted individually).

You only proceed once you’re comfortable with the scope and cost.

Step 3 – Information and records

We send you an easy checklist and help you gather:

• your expected due date and MAT B1;
• a basic work history for the past 66 weeks;
• payslips, invoices or earning statements for key weeks;
• NI and self-employment details;
• any letters from employers (including SMP1 forms) or the DWP.

If you’re not used to paperwork, don’t worry – we guide you step by step. Photos from your phone are fine in many cases.

Step 4 – Eligibility and entitlement review

We then:

• calculate your 66-week test period;
• identify whether you meet the 26-week work condition;
• pick the best 13 weeks for earnings calculations where appropriate;
• estimate whether you’re in line for full rate, reduced rate or 14-week allowance.

We share our findings with you in plain English, so you know what to expect.

Step 5 – Completing the MA1 claim form

Together, we:

• complete the MA1 (online or paper),
• ensure all questions are answered correctly,
• attach or list all supporting documents,
• help you decide a start date for your Maternity Allowance.

You then sign and send the form to DWP (or submit online) yourself.

Step 6 – Responding to DWP queries

If the DWP has questions or needs more evidence, we:

• explain what they’re asking,
• help you prepare clear replies,
• check additional documents before you send them.

Step 7 – After a decision

Once a decision is made, we:

• help you understand your award letter – how much, how long, start date;
• check that the decision is consistent with the information you gave;
• advise whether you might want to seek further welfare rights support if you disagree with the decision.

We can then, if you wish, continue working with you on Universal Credit, self-employment records, tax returns and budgeting throughout your maternity period and beyond.

Real-Life Maternity Allowance Support – Case Studies

Case Study 1 – Self-employed hairdresser

Client: Chloe, self-employed hairdresser renting a chair in a salon, due with her first baby.

Problem: Her income varied from week to week, and she hadn’t kept tidy records. She’d heard of Maternity Allowance but didn’t know if she had paid enough Class 2 NI or how to fill in the MA1 form.

Our work:

• Rebuilt 66 weeks of income from bank statements and appointment diaries.
• Confirmed she had been self-employed for more than 26 weeks in the test period.
• Identified 13 weeks with the highest average earnings to support her rate.
• Checked Class 2 NI payments and explained HMRC’s top-up option if needed.
• Completed the MA1 form with her and organised her MAT B1 and other evidence.

Result: Chloe qualified for near-maximum Maternity Allowance for 39 weeks, giving her financial security while taking time off, and her records were now in good order for her next tax return.

Case Study 2 – Zero-hours worker declined SMP

Client: Jade, working on a zero-hours contract in retail, due with her second baby.

Problem: Her employer said she didn’t qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay because she hadn’t earned enough during the SMP qualifying period. She was given an SMP1 form but wasn’t sure what to do next.

Our work:

• Checked her SMP position and confirmed she did not qualify for SMP.
• Calculated her Maternity Allowance test period and work weeks.
• Used her payslips to show she had at least 26 weeks of employment and 13 weeks with earnings above £30.
• Helped her complete the MA1 form, including the SMP1 evidence.

Result: Her Maternity Allowance claim was approved at the full rate for 39 weeks. She said the biggest relief was simply “knowing for sure” what she was entitled to instead of relying on rumours and social media.

Case Study 3 – Director of a small limited company

Client: Nisha, director and sole shareholder of a small design company, paying herself a mixture of salary and dividends.

Problem: She wasn’t sure whether she counted as employed or self-employed, and her accountant had focused on tax but not explained Maternity Allowance. She was worried about doing something wrong with her company during maternity leave.

Our work:

• Reviewed her role as an employee of her own company for SMP and Maternity Allowance purposes.
• Confirmed she did not qualify for SMP from her company based on the specific earnings period.
• Treated her as employed/recently employed for Maternity Allowance and used her salary figures for the earnings test.
• Helped her complete MA1, aligning claim dates with her planned business pause and her other benefits.

Result: Nisha received Maternity Allowance and had a much clearer understanding of how to manage her company during her time off. She later asked us to handle her company accounts and director tax planning more broadly.

Case Study 4 – Recent job loss before pregnancy

Client: Emma, previously employed full-time but made redundant several months before her pregnancy.

Problem: She believed that because she was unemployed when she became pregnant, she had no entitlement to maternity support. A friend mentioned Maternity Allowance, but she thought she’d “missed the window”.

Our work:

• Checked the 66-week test period and showed that Emma still had at least 26 weeks of employment in that period, with earnings well over £30 for 13 of those weeks.
• Explained that Maternity Allowance is available even if you’ve recently stopped working, as long as you meet the test-period conditions.
• Helped her prepare her MA1 with old payslips and her MAT B1.

Result: Emma’s Maternity Allowance was awarded, giving her vital income support during her maternity period, even though she wasn’t working at the time of claim.

Frequently Asked Questions – Maternity Allowance Application Support

Do you decide if I get Maternity Allowance?

No. Only the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) can decide if you qualify and how much you get. We cannot change their rules or decisions.

What we do is:

• help you understand the rules,
• check your dates and earnings,
• make your application accurate and well-presented.

When is the earliest I can apply?

You can usually claim Maternity Allowance once you’ve been pregnant for 26 weeks, and payments can start up to 11 weeks before your baby is due.

We normally recommend starting the process early, so you have time to correct any issues before your preferred start date.

What happens if I apply late?

If you claim more than 3 months after the date you want your Maternity Allowance to start, you can lose some weeks of entitlement. You can still claim, but not always from your ideal start date.

If you’re already late, we’ll help you work out the best strategy from where you are now.

Can I work while getting Maternity Allowance?

Some work during your Maternity Allowance period can affect your entitlement. The rules are detailed and depend on the type of work and benefits you receive. We’ll help you understand the general principles and encourage you to check any specific plan before changing your work pattern.

I’m self-employed and haven’t paid much Class 2 NI – is it worth applying?

Yes, usually. Even if you haven’t paid enough Class 2 NI for the full rate, you may still get a lower rate, and HMRC may give you the chance to top up contributions after you apply to increase your Maternity Allowance.

We’ll help you understand how this works and what it might mean in your case.

Will Maternity Allowance affect my Universal Credit?

Maternity Allowance usually counts as income for Universal Credit and can reduce your UC payment.

We cannot change this, but we can:

• explain the typical impact,
• help you keep your UC reporting consistent with your Maternity Allowance claim,
• discuss budgeting and planning alongside your business accounts and tax.

Can you speak to the DWP on my behalf?

Your Maternity Allowance claim and online accounts are personal. We do not log in or speak to DWP as you.

We can help you:

• understand letters and messages,
• draft replies,
• prepare documents and explanations.

You always remain in control of your claim.

What if I think the DWP decision is wrong?

We will:

• check the decision against your claim and evidence,
• see if there are any obvious numerical or date errors,
• help you prepare clearer information if something was misunderstood.

If you want to formally challenge a decision (for example, with a mandatory reconsideration or appeal), we may suggest you also contact Citizens Advice, a welfare rights adviser or a specialist charity. We continue supporting you on the financial and documentation side.

How much does your Maternity Allowance support cost?

Fees depend on complexity. As a guide:

• Standard Maternity Allowance application support (single claimant, straightforward work history) – from £120 + VAT.
• Complex cases (mixed employment and self-employment, partial overseas work, significant benefit overlap) – quoted individually after an initial review.

We always agree fees upfront, in writing.

Client Testimonials

“They made the whole thing feel manageable.” – Laura, self-employed PT

I downloaded the MA1 form and honestly panicked. The test-period dates and earnings questions just didn’t make sense to me. Audit Consulting Group went through everything step by step, checked my records and helped me fill in the form. I got my award letter a few weeks later and it matched what they’d explained.

“Professional, kind and very clear.” – Sara, shop worker on zero-hours contract

My employer said I didn’t qualify for maternity pay and just handed me a form. I felt completely lost. ACG checked my payslips, explained the rules and helped me apply for Maternity Allowance. For the first time I felt someone was on my side, not just quoting rules at me.

“They understood both the business and the benefits side.” – Helen, company director

My situation was complicated because I run my own limited company. Audit Consulting Group already did my accounts, but what really helped was how they linked that with my Maternity Allowance. Everything lined up – company records, tax return and the MA1. It was a huge weight off my mind.

Ready to Get Expert Help with Your Maternity Allowance Application?

If you’re pregnant and unsure how to claim Maternity Allowance, or worried about getting the numbers wrong, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Let Audit Consulting Group help you turn complicated forms, test periods and earnings rules into a clear, practical plan – so you can focus on your pregnancy and your baby, not on paperwork.

+44 7386 212550
info@auditconsultinggroup.co.uk

Audit Consulting Group – professional, friendly support with Maternity Allowance applications for self-employed and employed women across the UK.