Minimum Wage and Statutory Pay Obligations

3. Maternity Allowance

3.1 Maternity allowance (MA) is paid by JobCentre Plus and is based on the woman's recent employment and earnings record.

• Those who are self-employed, or a pregnant employee who is recently employed, or does not qualify for SMP, may qualify for MA.
• Women who earn between £30 and £90 a week and have been employed or self-employed for at least 26 weeks of the 66 weeks ending with the week before the expected week of childbirth.
• They must earn on average at least £30 per week.

3.2 Maternity allowance is paid for a maximum of 39 weeks at £117.18 or 90 per cent of average weekly pay if lower than £117.18.