Maternity Allowance and NI contributions

[okeydonkey]

I've applied for MA as I'm self employed. I've only been offered £27 a week. As I have a small earnings certificate which made me exempt from paying NI.
I didn't think it through when becoming self employed and baby wasn't planned.
So does anyone know if I can ask for a bill for NI then reapply for MA and hope to get full amount?
I know it sounds cheeky but I'm totally screwed without the allowance.
TIA

Bill would only be from April

Sorry bumping as I'm stressing a bit and can't sleep

If you have the exemption certificate should qualify you for MA

The exemption certificate criteria means you aren't earning the amount needed for MA. If you hadn't chosen to take the cert then it wouldn't matter what your income was, simply by paying your contributions you would be eligible. You can ring them and ask but I would think its unlikely you will be eligible for the full amount.

Remember that you're likely to be eligible for child benefit and tax credits once the baby is born depending on your household income, and possibly also some housing benefit if low income. Do you have a partner? What's his salary?

Thank your wasn't sure if I could claim child tax credits whilst claiming mat leave.
My DP is self employed his net profit is around £8,000.