DWP Maternity Allowance 2026£184.03 / Wk Flat Rate39 Weeks Payout
Maternity Allowance Calculator 2026
Calculate DWP Maternity Allowance (£184.03/wk flat rate for 39 weeks) for self-employed women and employees ineligible for SMP.
Maternity Allowance Payout Estimator
Compute weekly and total DWP maternity benefit based on employment status
£
Must be at least £30/week in 13 test weeksMaternity Allowance Payout Result:
Weekly DWP Payment
£184.03/wk
Capped at £184.03Total Benefit (39 Weeks)
£7177.17
Tax-Free DWP PayoutDWP Maternity Allowance Rates (2025/2026)
Maternity Allowance is paid fortnightly by Jobcentre Plus directly into your bank account.
| Claimant Category | Weekly Payment Rate | Maximum Payout Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Employed (Paid Class 2 NI 13+ wks) | £184.03 / week (or 90% earnings) | 39 Weeks Max (£7,177.17 total) |
| Employee Ineligible for SMP | £184.03 / week (or 90% earnings) | 39 Weeks Max (£7,177.17 total) |
| Unpaid Helper for Self-Employed Partner | £27.00 / week | 14 Weeks Max (£378.00 total) |
66-Week Test Period Rules
26 Weeks Employment
Must have been employed or self-employed for at least 26 weeks out of the 66 weeks before expected childbirth.
13 Weeks Earnings Proof
Must have earned at least £30 a week in 13 of those weeks to qualify for DWP payout.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Maternity Allowance is a DWP benefit for pregnant women who do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) — typically self-employed sole traders or employees who recently changed jobs or earned below the £123/wk Lower Earnings Limit.
Maternity Allowance pays £184.03 per week or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is lower) for up to 39 weeks.
The Test Period is the 66 weeks before your baby is due. You must have been employed or self-employed for at least 26 weeks in those 66 weeks and earned at least £30 a week in 13 of those weeks.
Yes. To receive the full £184.03/week rate, self-employed women must have paid Class 2 National Insurance for at least 13 weeks of the 66-week Test Period.
You can start claiming Maternity Allowance up to 11 weeks before your baby is due (starting from the 29th week of pregnancy).