Maternity allowance

I have a quick query about maternity allowance. I am only recently self employed (less than the 26 weeks requirement for maternity allowance), does anyone know if there are any other options for any kind of maternity support while I'm going to be off with the baby if I dont meet the requirements for MA? Thanks in advance 🙏 (Scotland, UK)

Show your support

I think the only think your able to get is universal credit dependant on your partner/who lives with you. I was on it before MA and was only get £300 a month xx

If you were employed before you should meet the requirements as it's dependent on your National Insurance contributions. I was the same where I hadn't been self employed for long enough but had had previous employment - it's then collating previous payslips.

I wasn't unfortunately 🫠 we recently applied for universal credit to see if we could get a bit of help for when the baby is here in December but they said my partner (also Self employed) earns too much. He doesn't really earn the greatest amount, around 22k a year but I'm feeling a bit stuck in terms of options now!

Might be worth contacting a Money Advice service. Think there is one in Govan called Money Matters. Your entitlement to UC will change once baby arrives so defo apply again, but also try get some support from an expert to check what your options are. The devil is in the details with these things so best of luck with it!

Thanks so much I will look into that 🙏

Ask your midwife to put you in touch with a benefits advisor they will help you

I think you might be able to back pay national insurance to be able to qualify for MA. My friend did it for her second baby and my stepdad did it to qualify for a higher pension.

It's so complicated isn't it! Second others' advice about contacting Welfare Rights folk in your area. Sometimes there's quite long waiting times for an appointment, just so you know. Good luck!