Self Employment and Maternity Allowance

littlesprinkles

Hi there

I was wondering if anyone could clear up something with regards to self employment and maternity allowance.

My earnings are currently quite low as I'm still building up my client base etc. but I have been paying my Class 2 NI contributions, and have not claimed any exemption at all.

It says that I need to earn at least £30pw for 13 weeks to get the full rate of MA - does that still apply even if I pay my full class 2 NI contributions?

pmlindyloo

littlesprinkles wrote: »

Hi there

I was wondering if anyone could clear up something with regards to self employment and maternity allowance.

My earnings are currently quite low as I'm still building up my client base etc. but I have been paying my Class 2 NI contributions, and have not claimed any exemption at all.

It says that I need to earn at least £30pw for 13 weeks to get the full rate of MA - does that still apply even if I pay my full class 2 NI contributions?

Yes, it still applies.

You need to be earning a minimum of £30 a week for 26 weeks during the 66 weeks before the expected birth date. These 26 weeks do not have to be consecutive so you can pick any 26 weeks during that time.

http://www.motherandbaby.co.uk/2014/04/top-maternity-pay-tips-for-self-employed-mums-to-be#.VaEs1_lViko

If you are not eligible for MA you may be eligible for contribution based ESA. They will assess this automatically if you are not eligible for MA.

Have long have you been paying class 2 contributions? Does your partner work?