in England
Maternity Allowance & UC
I'm due to go on Maternity Leave in May, but I'm only entitled to MA not SMP. I currently get my wage topped up by UC and was wondering whether it was worth applying for MA or just getting UC instead? As I'm aware maternity allowance is taken into consideration with UC, so don't know if its worth it in the long run.
Show your support
I think it’s something to do with national insurance contributions that you get from claiming the maternity allowance which work out better for the future rather than not claiming it, financially obviously it won’t make a difference but think that’s why they say it’s better to claim maternity allowance and get it taken off your universal credit.
Yes am guessing it means you get NI credits so you qualify for state pension - v important!
Trending in our community
I think it depends on how much you get topped up by? Maternity allowance is seen as a benefit (ridiculously it’s different from SMP where they let you earn a certain amount and still get benefits) so taken into account for the benefits cap. If you go onto the website Turn to us there is a calculator you can use which might help in working out what option is best for you