2026/27 DWP Rate Update
Maximum weekly rate: £194.32/week for up to 39 weeks (or 90% of AWE for employed). Self-employed claimants with 13 Class 2 NI weeks qualify for full £194.32 rate.
Maternity Allowance Estimator
Evaluates work test (26 weeks in 66), highest 13 earnings weeks, or Class 2 NI contributions
Maternity Allowance Assessment Result
Estimated Weekly Payment
£194.32/wk
Max £194.32Total Estimated Benefit
£7578.48
Up to 39 WeeksStatus: Potentially Eligible (Based on highest 13-week AWE)
Employed rate is 90% of highest 13-week average weekly earnings, capped at £194.32/week.
2026/27 Statutory Rates & Routes
| Claimant Category | Weekly Payment Rate (2026/27) | Max Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Employed / Recently Employed | Lower of £194.32 / week or 90% AWE | 39 Weeks |
| Self-Employed (13 Class 2 Weeks) | Full £194.32 / week rate | 39 Weeks |
| Self-Employed (Fewer Class 2 Weeks) | £27 / week (can top up Class 2 NI) | 39 Weeks |
| Unpaid Spouse Assistance | £27 / week | 14 Weeks |
Frequently Asked Questions (6 Detailed FAQs)
Maternity Allowance (MA) is a DWP benefit for mothers who do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP), including self-employed women, recent job changers, and those assisting a self-employed spouse.
For employed/recently employed claimants, MA is £194.32 per week or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower, for up to 39 weeks. Self-employed rates range between £27 and £194.32 per week.
You must have been employed or self-employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your expected week of childbirth, earning an average of at least £30/week in 13 of those weeks.
DWP calculates average earnings from your highest-earning 13 weeks in the 66-week test period. The 13 weeks do not need to be consecutive.
Having at least 13 qualifying Class 2 National Insurance weeks during the 66-week test period qualifies you for the full £194.32/week rate. Fewer weeks give a lower £27/week rate.
You can apply once you reach 26 weeks of pregnancy, with payments starting up to 11 weeks before your expected week of childbirth. Maternity Allowance is 100% tax-free.
Official GOV.UK Sources
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Key 2026/27 Benchmarks
Max Weekly Rate£194.32 / Wk
Max Duration39 Weeks
Test Period66 Weeks
Tax Status100% Tax-Free