How much is Maternity Allowance
The amount you can get is either 90 per cent of your average weekly earnings or £139.58, which is the maximum amount. You will get whichever is less.
If you have been self-employed, you had to have paid Class 2 national insurance contributions to qualify for the maximum amount. You have to pay these for at least 13 of the 66 weeks before your baby is due. If you don’t pay these contributions you can still get Maternity Allowance, but you will only get £27 a week.
If you have been self-employed and have not paid enough Class 2 contributions, you can volunteer to pay these to qualify for the maximum amount. Ask the Jobcentre about this when you claim.
If you haven’t been employed or self-employed, but you’ve worked for a self-employed spouse or civil partner’s business, you can get £27 a week.