Maternity Allowance - How do I claim Maternity Allowance?

In England, Scotland and Wales

You can download a Maternity Allowance claim form or order a form to be posted out to you

Phone Jobcentre Plus for a claim form:

Telephone: 0800 169 0283
Textphone: 0800 169 0286

In Northern Ireland

You can download a Maternity Allowance claim form or order a form to be posted to you.

Phone Maternity Allowance Northern Ireland on 028 9082 3318 for a claim form or for more information. 

What documents will I need to claim Maternity Allowance?

You must give your national insurance number and may be asked to provide proof of identity, for example, a driving licence or birth certificate.

If you are employed, you will need to send in form SMP1 that your employer will give you. You will need to provide evidence of your wages, for example, a payslip or note from your employer.

You must also give evidence of your pregnancy. This is usually the maternity certificate from your doctor or midwife (MATB1). If you claim Maternity Allowance after your baby is born, you should provide the birth certificate.

When will my Maternity Allowance claim begin?

The earliest it can start to be paid is the 11th week before the baby is due.

If you claim late, you can get Maternity Allowance backdated for up to three months if you would have been entitled to it earlier. It does not matter why your claim is late. Request this when claiming.

Change of circumstances

You must report changes in your circumstances which might affect your entitlement to this benefit.

Shared Parental Leave and Pay

You may be able to get Shared Parental Leave (SPL) and Statutory Shared Parental Pay (SSPP) with your spouse, civil partner or joint adopter.

See our Shared Parental Leave and Pay guide for further details.