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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Maternity allowance & universal credit

9 replies

Stressyfab · 10/04/2023 22:17

Hi all, feel like this is a stupid question but if anyone has any experience or knowledge I’d appreciate it!
I qualify for £27 weekly MA. (£108pm).
I am on UC.
I have heard MA is deducted from UC £ for £.
I can’t find out if there is a threshold before this happens?
From what I can see it seems like it’s not even worth applying?

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dementedpixie · 10/04/2023 22:21

Why only £27?
And yes I think it is deducted unlike SMP

Original poster

Stressyfab · 10/04/2023 22:26

In my first year of self employment (not enough weeks of NI contributions yet)

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dementedpixie · 10/04/2023 22:29

I thought you could make a payment of the required NI contributions in order to get the higher amount

Increase your Maternity Allowance

You can increase your Maternity Allowance by paying more Class 2 National Insurance contributions.

After you’ve applied for Maternity Allowance, HMRC will tell you how many additional Class 2 National Insurance contributions you need to pay.

If you pay your additional Class 2 National Insurance contributions, you’ll get £172.48 per week for 39 weeks.

Class 2 National Insurance contributions are £4.01 per week.

dementedpixie · 10/04/2023 22:30

https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/what-youll-get

Maternity Allowance

Maternity Allowance is paid to pregnant women who do not get Statutory Maternity Pay - rate, eligibility, apply, form MA1

https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/what-youll-get

Original poster

Stressyfab · 10/04/2023 22:33

Thank you!! Not a clue how I missed that part.
So stressed.

OP posts:

Sunday18 · 12/04/2023 10:44

I’ve just received my first UC payment after my MA started. They take it £1 for £1 so deductions are quite a lot (compared to the £1 to 55p when worked out using self employed earnings!)

you can call HMRC on 03002003500 (I had to do the same) to pay voluntary NI 2 contributions that can increase your MA. I had to pay £40 so was well worth it.

I want to apply for a budgeting advance through UC and I know they can decline them. It does say online you can apply for ‘maternity expenses’ but unsure of what ti respond to them if they ask for a rundown of these as don’t want to run the risk of being rejected - does anyone have any ideas?

Original poster

Stressyfab · 14/04/2023 09:38

I feel so stupid but for example, say you got £500 from UC, and £100 MA.
If it’s pound for pound would you then get £400 UC instead?
I have all of today free so I will try get hold of them!

OP posts:

Sunday18 · 14/04/2023 16:43

Yes that’s right! For example if you’re eligible for the full MA of £172.48 a week, then your UC will deduct roughly £688 (given its 4 weeks in the month)

Sunday18 · 14/04/2023 16:44

Also as far as I’m aware - once your baby is born your UC should increase as you get a certain amount per child too.

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