Self employed and maternity allowance

[nameschanger]

Hi,

I'm just starting out in a new business venture as a sole trader since being made redundant during mat leave which ended in june. At the moment I have no clients but this won't be for long. However, I've just unexpectedly found out I'm pregnant. My question is, would I be entitled to maternity allowance. I could make NI2 contributions, but worried I won't be earning enough. Does Anyone know how much I need to earn minimum to qualify for the full amount?
Thanks in advance. X

When I say earning enough I mean earn enough to qualify for the full amount. Thanks x

www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/eligibility

It looks as though you must have been self employed for at least 26 weeks and making the ni contributions. Earning at least £30 a week.
Not 100% as I just skimmed over it. There's a calculator on there though, so use that and work out your eligibility now, and work out another for closer to your due date.

Thank you. I do have eligibility now, according to the calculator. It just doesn't tell me how much. Was wondering if anyone in same situation had a clue.

Do you want to know the amount you're entitled to?

Yes NoArmani. I would like to understand how they calculate what I would be entitled to.

What I'm trying to understand is this: let's say I earn 150 a month before giving birth. Does this mean my allowance entitlement would be 90 percent of 150? Do I need to be earning 139 a week minimum in order to be entitled to maternity allowance of 139 a week.

Unless the rules have changed you will either be entitled to the full amount or nothing at all. It goes on how long you have been registered as se and of you have been paying ni.

I had been registered as se for 3 years but hadn't paid ni contributions as I hadn't had a bill. They let me pay the last 3 years bill then I made the application and it was successful. There is a helpline or was anyway that was pretty good.

This was 2 years ago now.

If you're entitled, you'll get the £139 a week. When you are about 25 weeks along you'll have to fill in and send off the paperwork to apply. I've just sent mine off.

Thanks. So it doesn't matter how much I earn as long as I am entitled. Much appreciated everyone x