Maternity allowance application

[DorotheaHam]

I know you can apply for maternity allowance from 26 weeks, but do you need to wait until you have all your qualifying weeks? Because I won't have worked for 26 weeks until nearer my due date. Do I have to wait until then, for the payslip evidence, to apply?

Oh, and also, if I'm eligible at say, 38 weeks but the baby comes at 37 weeks, so I've only worked 25 but would have worked 26 if it hadn't arrived then, would I still get mat allowance?

No for MA ur relevant period as they call it is about 15months from due date back. So my due date is April I can pick 13 payslips from January 19 to April 20

It says on gov.uk that it has to be 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before the baby is due?

You need to have worked for 26 weeks out of the 66 weeks before the due date. In 13 of those 66 weeks you need to earn at least £30/week. Its payslips for 13 weeks you need, not for 26.

Yes that's what I thought. But I don't know if I can apply before I've worked for 26 weeks. Or if I still get it if I give birth in my 24th or 25th week of employment.

I would maybe start the claim at 26 weeks and call the advice line to see what they say .

www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/how-to-claim