Donate

Working hours: benefits rules - Calculating work hours: Maternity Leave

Benefit entitlement can depend on how many hours of paid work you do per week.

Last reviewed 01 November 2023

Calculating work hours: Maternity Leave

Income Support

You are not treated as being in full time paid work if you are on maternity, adoption or paternity leave - even if you are a full time worker when you are not on leave.

Universal Credit

Working hours do not affect Universal Credit. You may be entitled to Universal Credit to top up your income when you are on maternity leave. Use our Benefits Calculator to check what you will be entitled to.

Share

Printable version of this guide

Was this page helpful?

Tell us the problem

*Required

Thank you

Thank you for your feedback. If you would like to tell us more, please visit our contact us page.

Check benefit entitlement

Find out what means-tested benefits you might be entitled to.

Use the Benefits Calculator

Grants Search

Search our database of grant-giving organisations.

Search for grants

Find an adviser

Search for advice and support services near you.

Find an adviser