Benefits delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will increase from today (April 10) by 10.1 per cent. The annual uprating includes a boost for an estimated 40,000 mothers expected to take time off work to care for their new born child this year.
People eligible for the standard rate of Maternity Allowance will receive £172.48 each week (up from £156.66), or 90 per cent of their average weekly earnings (whichever is less) for 39 weeks if you’re employed or have recently stopped working. You can get Maternity Allowance for up to 39 weeks, this means if you take the full 52 weeks Statutory Maternity Leave, your final 13 weeks will be unpaid.
Maternity Allowance is paid every two or four weeks and there are different payment rules for the self-employed or if you do unpaid work for your spouse or civil partner’s business. These can be found on GOV.UK here.
The payments provide a safety net for women before and after childbirth for up to 39 weeks and are designed to cover those who do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay - usually because they are on low wages or are self-employed.
DWP said that during 2021-2022, £360 million was paid out in Maternity Allowance, supporting 46,000 mothers during and after pregnancy.
Working mothers receiving the standard rate of statutory maternity pay from their employer are also receiving a £15.82 weekly rise.
DWP Minister Viscount Younger of Leckie, said: "We want every child to have a good start in life, which is why we are increasing our support for mums.
"This builds on our extension of free childcare for working parents from this summer, alongside an increase to the universal credit childcare cost cap and further help with upfront payments. These changes will help parents progress in work and earn a better living to support their family."
Maternity Allowance can be claimed from 26 weeks into pregnancy. Claims within three months after giving birth can still lead to receiving the full 39 weeks' worth of payments.
You could get Maternity Allowance if you:
- are employed but cannot get Statutory Maternity Pay
- are self-employed
- have recently stopped working
- take part in unpaid work for the business of your spouse or civil partner
People can check their eligibility for maternity allowance online at GOV.UK here.
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