Maternity allowance weeks worked

[Lovelostnfoundx]

I’ve just realised that in the test period for maternity allowance I have worked 23 weeks so I am just short of the 26 weeks. My earnings were way over the £30 threshold during those weeks though. Does this mean I am ineligible for any MA or will they allow me to “top up” my national insurance to receive it?

The eligibility is:

In the 66 weeks before your baby’s due, you must also have been:

• employed or self-employed for at least 26 weeks
• earning (or classed as earning) £30 a week or more in at least 13 weeks - the weeks do not have to be together

Will you not have worked for 26 weeks by the time your baby is due?

You have to have been employed for 26 weeks in the test period to be eligible at all.