Self employed work when claiming Maternity Allowance?

[BalancingStick]

Does anyone know if I'm allowed to do that?

I found out that I was pregnant after handing in my notice - I've started a new job with a new employer and on day 1 was already 8 week pregnant. I'm not entitled to their enhanced maternity package (need to have worked there a year) nor am I eligible for SMP. But I can apply for a Maternity Allowance.

Outside of my PAYE job I also teach a sport part-time (normally just a few hours a week) - this is self-employed work and I and declare and pay taxes for this via Self-Assessment. It doesn't bring in much but I was thinking that to keep the finances ticking over whilst I'm away from my proper job and on Maternity Allowance am I allowed to undertake any self-employed work?

[superram]

No, unless you stop claiming Ma. You could do work and say the work was done once you are working but not legal. You can do 10 kit days in your paye job.

[superram]

Could you do 10 kit days in both jobs?

[Rockchick1984]

I believe you can continue to do your self employed work as its separate to the main job and you're already doing it - I know 100% that you would be fine doing this if claiming SMP so I doubt it's different for maternity allowance.

[figginz]

I'm pretty sure your kit days are limited to ten, across your whole maternity leave.

[minimooo]

As superram says, my understanding is that you can only do self-employed work if you stop claiming MA. Basically, you're not allowed to receive an income at all over and above your MA allowance (even from a spouse's company/business).

I am self-employed (so no employer to pay me a maternity package) and I have had to give up self-employed work completely in order to claim MA.

directgov.uk detail everything you need to know.