Maternity Allowance Entitlement

[Livstanyer]

Hello,

I am just wondering whether anyone could help, i am currently 16 weeks pregnant, have changed jobs and so will not be entitled to SMP however, I think I am eligible for Maternity Allowance.

I am just wondering how much I will get? I've seen lots about it depending on National Insurance contributions but not actually how much these contributions need to be to get the full amount of MA?

I've seen the minimum payment is something like £27 per week for 39 weeks and the max is £156 per week for 39 weeks and I'm just panicking that I'll only receive £27 per week?!

Does anyone have any experience with this and how much you're entitled too?

Thanks :)

@Livstanyer it Is all set out here www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/what-youll-get

Are you self employed or working for an employer?

If you are employed then you submit payslips for 13 weeks and you get MA based on them. Its 90% of the average salary or £156ish, whichever is lower

NI only comes into it if you are self employed

Hi,

I’m working for an employer just haven’t been there long enough to qualify for SMP!

If you're employed then NI contributions don't apply. Your MA is worked out using pay in 13 weeks of employment. You choose the 13 weeks where you had the most pay to maximise your MA.

Pick 13 weeks in the (something like) 66 weeks before you’re due. Add them together, divide by 13.

90% of that figure or the £156isb. Whatever is lower.