Maternity Allowance when Self Employed

[LittleSugaPlum]

Im self employed and have just filled in a claim for maternity allowance. However my income will not drop whilst im not working as DH will be keeping my business afloat whilst im on maternity leave.

Am i still able to claim maternity allowance even though my income will not decreased ?

Bumping this as I also have a question.
I am a partner of a business which is an LLP.
I will get my draw for 6 weeks and then nothing.
I will be entitled to some share of profits at the end of the year (there are 3 elements that govern this, 2 will be pro rated and 1 will not - revenue contribution)
If I am still getting paid for part of my mat leave and still eligible to a share of the profits during this time (but not all) can I claim mat allowance without affecting my eligibility to this?
I have called the helpline and they are clueless and 'don't know' (!!!!)
My drawings and bonus are worth much more to me that the mat allowance so I don't want to jeopardise this!
I won't be working other than keeping in touch, I will be checking emails etc

Phew, Anchovy said what I was going to.

anchovy and talkin do you have any wise words for my situation?

farfall
not knowing the numbers, I'd have thought your best bet is to talk to your accountant as they will have access to all of the profit share agreement details
or
ask on UKBF as there are lots of clever bods there who calculate such things regularly
www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=fe597ff8bcaa8fb17efa0412da4588db&f=55

Oh great thanks, I will speak to the accountant and take a look!

It is possible that you are an employee of the LLP as well as being a partner so you need to check with your accountant. However my statement still holds true: maternity allowance is paid when you are not working and has nothing to do with whether or not you are receiving income.

Great thanks for that MrAnchovy, I am definitely not an employee of the LLP but will double check it all with the accountant!

Just thought I would update for anyone searching this in future, I have spoken to the benefits office and they have confirmed, I can carry on earning, taking a draw and share of profits AND claim Mat allowance as long as I am not physically working. Thanks again for your help mranchovy and talkinpeace2