Information » Money » Money while you work » Maternity Pay
- Statutory maternity pay is given to you to allow you time off work to have a baby
- You can get statutory maternity pay if you have been working with the same employer for over 26 weeks by the time you are 15 weeks away from when your baby is due
- You must also be earning over the wage level where national insurance contributions start (See NATIONAL INSURANCE)
- Statutory maternity pay is paid for up to 26 weeks by your employer
- For information on the current rate of statutory maternity pay, visit the Department for Work and Pensions website below
Maternity Allowance
- Maternity allowance is for women who work but do not meet the working or wage conditions for statutory maternity pay
- To qualify, you must have worked for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before you are due to give birth
- This work does not have to be with the same employer or for 26 weeks continuously
- You must also earn at least £30 per week
- It is paid for up to 26 weeks
- To apply, you must fill in a MA1 form from your local benefits office or download one from www.dwp.gov.uk
- For more information on finance for parents, see BEING A PARENT - FINANCE
