Maternity allowance for freelancers?

[peachyfox]

My apologies if this has been asked, like, a squillion times before, but I'm a freelance translator and interpreter, expecting baby no. 1 in August and hoping to stop work for 3 months after the birth. Do all freelancers qualify and do they take your partner's earnings into account?

Yes and No.

Go down to your local job centre and they will have the forms that you will need to fill out to claim.

If you pay class 2 National insurance contributions, you'll get it automatically. If not, it depends on your earnings in a bit more than a year before.

Thanks! I do pay NI contributions so that's good. I'm out of the country at the moment, due back shortly before the birth, so I'll check out if you can apply on line.

I don't think you can apply online but you can download an application form from the DWP website.