Maternity Allowance (MA) 


Someone who is not eligible for SMP may qualify for MA, paid through the local Jobcentre Plus. There are two types of MA: 


• some workers who cannot meet the SMP eligibility criteria will qualify for MA for 39 weeks at the flat weekly rate of £139.58 (2016-17), or 90% of average weekly wages if less; and


• for babies born on or after 27 July 2014, people who are not employed or self-employed and are not eligible for MA for 39 weeks but who work unpaid in their partner’s business may qualify for MA at 14 weeks, at a lower flat rate of £27 per week (2016-17).