Freelance and maternity pay?

[Klinda]

Hello,

I have only been working freelance since March and tend to get work in fits and starts so not making a regular monthly amount but I have been paying Nat Ins every month.

I am having baby number three in January and am trying to work out if I get any form of maternity pay but it just seems sooooo confusing.

Does anyone know what the deal is when you are self-employed and how I go about sorting it out?

Thanks so much, any advice gratefully received!

Klinda

regular threads on this
pay up your class 2 and you qualify for full Maternity Allowance from the state.

Pay 6 months of Class 2 NI and you should qualify for full Maternity Allowance of £128.73 for up to 39 weeks - claim here.

Amazing how generous it is now.
I got a total of £800 when I claimed it in 2000

Thanks so much for the info, really helpful! Just have to get myself organised now and make sure I remember to apply for the form!