Hi everyone, I am new to this site so appologies if ive posted in the wrong section. Im very confused about maternity alllwence and the nic's due dates so if anyone can help that would be great. Ive been self employed from nov 2012 however I held an exemption certificate but I cancelled this from december 2013 in order to be able to claim mayernity allowence. My baby is due 19th june 2014. I have recieved confirmation of my direct debit for national insurance on a monthly basis. First paying is on 11th april which says it covers nics from 8th dec to 11th jan. Then next payment isnt until the 9th may then every month after that. My first day of test period is 10th march & last day is 14th june, and the 15th wk starts on 2nd march. Im just not sure im going to qualify for MA based upon the due dates of nic. Its looking as if im not going to have paid enough because of the dates they have set up for direct debit, even though i will have been self employed for the whole of the test period & before. R u able to pay one off payments for nic's to cover? If not what do I do please? Thanks I advance.