Maternity leave as a self-employed childminder

[Lola10]

I am at the early stages of my second pregnancy and I have just started to think about maternity leave? or whatever is called when you are self employed. I've tried to call H&M revenue but lost my will to live after more or less half a day non stop trying.

Does anyone know when should I contact them and what to request? and how should I contact them,they clearly do not answer their phones.

With my first one I was working for a company and they have done everything for me, so now with the second I am a bit lost.

Many thanks

Have a search on the internet for maternity allowance, as long as you've paid your national insurance and earn the minimum amount then you should qualify.

Maternity Allowance - Info from DWP.

Claim form is MA1 which is available from your nearest Jobcentre. The earliest you can claim is at the start of the 14th week before the week your baby is due.

Thanks that is very helpful. I will try the job centre tomorrow and ask them all the questions.