What is Government Maternity Pay and Am I Entitled?

When you’re pregnant, there are many things to consider, from antenatal care to your birth plan. One of the most important aspects that often comes up for working parents-to-be is maternity pay. Many expectant parents wonder, “What is government maternity pay, and am I entitled?” It’s crucial to understand your rights and options when it comes to maternity leave and pay, as these can have a significant impact on your financial situation during the early months of parenthood. In this article, we will break down everything you need to know about government maternity pay, how to check if you qualify, and what steps you need to take to ensure you receive the support you’re entitled to.

What is Government Maternity Pay?

Government maternity pay refers to the financial support provided by the UK government to working parents during their time off to care for a new child. It is designed to help provide financial security during maternity leave and ensure that parents can take the time they need to care for their newborn without facing severe financial hardship. There are two types of maternity pay in the UK: Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) and Maternity Allowance (MA). Which one you receive depends on your employment status, your length of employment, and your earnings before you take maternity leave.

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)

Statutory Maternity Pay is the most common form of maternity pay for employees. If you’re employed and meet certain eligibility criteria, you will receive SMP for up to 39 weeks. The pay is divided into two parts:

1. The first 6 weeks: You will receive 90% of your average weekly earnings (AWE) before tax.
2. The remaining 33 weeks: You will receive a fixed weekly amount, which is £172.48 as of 2025, or 90% of your AWE (whichever is lower). To qualify for SMP, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be employed by the same employer for at least 26 weeks before your due date.
• Earn at least £123 a week (the lower earnings limit) before tax.
• Have informed your employer of your pregnancy at least 15 weeks before your due date and provided the necessary documentation (such as your MATB1 form from your antenatal appointments).

Maternity Allowance (MA)

If you don’t qualify for SMP (for example, if you are self-employed or haven’t worked for the same employer for the required time), you may be eligible for Maternity Allowance. Maternity Allowance is a benefit paid by the government to pregnant individuals who do not meet the SMP criteria. You can receive MA for up to 39 weeks at a rate of £172.48 per week or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is lower). To qualify for Maternity Allowance, you must meet the following criteria:

• You have been employed or self-employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your baby’s due date.
• You have earned at least £30 a week during at least 13 of the 66 weeks.
• You need to apply directly through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) by filling out a claim form and submitting it to them.

How Much Will I Get?

The amount of maternity pay you will receive depends on several factors, including your earnings and the type of maternity pay you’re eligible for. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)

• First 6 weeks: 90% of your average weekly earnings before tax.
• Next 33 weeks: £172.48 per week, or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is lower).

Maternity Allowance (MA)

• For the first 39 weeks: £172.48 per week, or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is lower). It’s important to note that both SMP and MA are taxable, meaning that income tax and National Insurance contributions will be deducted from your payments.

Am I Entitled to Government Maternity Pay?

Whether or not you are entitled to government maternity pay depends on your individual circumstances. Here are the key factors that determine your eligibility:

1. Employment Status

• Employed Workers: If you are employed and meet the eligibility criteria (such as the length of employment and minimum earnings), you will likely be entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP).
• Self-Employed Workers: If you’re self-employed, you will not be eligible for SMP. However, you may qualify for Maternity Allowance (MA) if you meet the eligibility criteria, such as having earned a certain amount in the 66 weeks prior to your baby’s due date.

2. Length of Employment

For SMP, you need to have been employed by your employer for at least 26 weeks before your due date. This doesn’t have to be consecutive – as long as you meet the 26-week requirement, you will be eligible for SMP if other criteria are met. For Maternity Allowance, you must have been employed or self-employed for at least 26 weeks within the 66-week period leading up to your baby’s due date.

3. Earnings

You need to earn at least £123 a week before tax in order to qualify for SMP. If your earnings are below this threshold, you may not be eligible for SMP but may qualify for Maternity Allowance.

4. Notification Requirements

To receive Statutory Maternity Pay, you must inform your employer at least 15 weeks before your due date. This is important, as failing to notify your employer on time can result in losing your entitlement to SMP. For Maternity Allowance, you will need to apply directly to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

5. Qualifying Periods

It’s also important to understand the concept of the qualifying week for Statutory Maternity Pay. The qualifying week is the 15th week before your due date, and you must meet all the eligibility criteria by this week to receive SMP.

How Do I Apply for Maternity Pay?

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)

If you qualify for SMP, you don’t need to apply. Your employer will begin paying it automatically once you inform them of your pregnancy and your intended leave dates. However, you will need to provide certain documentation, including:

• A MATB1 form (a certificate from your midwife or doctor confirming your pregnancy).
• A notice of your intended maternity leave and start date.
• A notice of the date you intend to return to work.

Maternity Allowance (MA)

If you qualify for Maternity Allowance, you must apply directly through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). You can complete your application form online or request a paper form from the DWP. The earlier you apply, the sooner you will receive your payments. To apply for Maternity Allowance, you will need to provide:

• Your MATB1 form.
• Proof of your earnings for the qualifying period.
• Your National Insurance number.
• Your bank details to receive the payment.

Additional Support During Pregnancy

If you’re eligible for government maternity pay, it’s worth exploring other forms of support available during pregnancy, such as:

Antenatal Care and Support

• Antenatal care is essential to monitor both the health of the baby and the mother. Regular antenatal appointments will help ensure that everything is progressing smoothly. Your midwife will offer guidance on what to expect at each stage of pregnancy and provide essential antenatal support.
• Antenatal vitamins may be recommended by your doctor to ensure you get the necessary nutrients for a healthy pregnancy. These include folic acid, vitamin D, and iron, which can support both your and your baby’s health during this important time.
• Antenatal yoga can help maintain your fitness, ease discomfort, and reduce stress throughout pregnancy. It’s a good idea to attend pregnancy yoga classes to support both your physical and mental well-being.

Antenatal Education and Classes

• Attending antenatal classes near me will provide you with essential information about labour, delivery, and caring for your newborn. Antenatal education is vital in preparing both parents for the realities of childbirth and the early stages of parenthood.

Antenatal Massage and Relaxation Techniques

Many women find that prenatal massage helps with the physical discomforts of pregnancy. Pregnancy massage benefits include improved circulation, reduced muscle tension, and overall relaxation, which can make a huge difference as your body undergoes the physical changes of pregnancy. Understanding your government maternity pay entitlement is an essential part of preparing for the arrival of your baby. Whether you are eligible for Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity Allowance, knowing your rights and the steps required to claim these benefits can help ensure that you are financially supported during your maternity leave. Additionally, combining maternity pay with the right antenatal care, education, and relaxation techniques can help you have a more positive and stress-free pregnancy experience.