Maternity Allowance Calculator
Estimate your Maternity Allowance for 2025/26 — up to £187.18 a week, or 90% of your average earnings if lower, for 39 weeks. For the self-employed and those who don't qualify for SMP.
Maternity Allowance estimator
2025/26 standard weekly amount £187.18.
A guide only. Apply and check the full rules on GOV.UK Maternity Allowance.
What is Maternity Allowance?
Maternity Allowance is a payment from the DWP for new mothers who cannot get Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) from an employer — most often the self-employed, people who have recently changed jobs, or those who earn too little for SMP. It is paid at the same headline weekly rate as SMP: £187.18 a week, or 90% of your average weekly earnings if that is lower, for up to 39 weeks.
You get the lower of £187.18 a week or 90% of your average weekly earnings. So if you average £180 a week, your Maternity Allowance is £162 (90% of £180); if you average £400, it is capped at £187.18. Over a full 39-week claim the maximum is about £7,300.
2025/26 figures
| Item | 2025/26 |
|---|---|
| Standard weekly rate | £187.18 |
| Or 90% of average weekly earnings | whichever is lower |
| Maximum duration | 39 weeks |
| Lower-rate spouse helper | £27 / week, 14 weeks |
Source: GOV.UK — Maternity Allowance, 2025/26.
Maternity Allowance and other benefits
Unlike SMP, Maternity Allowance counts as income for Universal Credit, so it can reduce a UC award pound for pound. If you are employed and qualify for SMP instead, use the Statutory Maternity Pay calculator. New fathers and partners can check the Paternity Pay calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Maternity Allowance in 2025/26?
Maternity Allowance is paid at £187.18 a week or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower, for up to 39 weeks. That is the same standard weekly amount as Statutory Maternity Pay.
Who gets Maternity Allowance instead of SMP?
Maternity Allowance is for people who cannot get Statutory Maternity Pay — typically the self-employed, those who recently changed jobs, or who earn below the threshold for SMP. You usually need to have worked at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your due date.
How long is Maternity Allowance paid for?
It is usually paid for up to 39 weeks. A lower rate of £27 a week for up to 14 weeks can apply if you help with your self-employed spouse or civil partner's business.
Does Maternity Allowance affect Universal Credit?
Yes. Maternity Allowance counts as income for Universal Credit, so it can reduce your UC award pound for pound. This is different from Statutory Maternity Pay, which is treated as earnings.
Is Maternity Allowance taxable?
No. Maternity Allowance is not taxable and you do not pay National Insurance on it. It will not appear on a P60 as taxable pay, though it does count as income for some means-tested benefits.