Claiming Maternity Allowance with no Class 2 NI Contributions

StacyH_2

First time poster here, after a bit of advice. I'm nearly 18 weeks pregnant (due 3/10/18). I've been self employed for the past 4 years and haven't been making any NI contributions due to small earnings. I've just found out that because I haven't been paying the Class 2 NI contributions, I may only be entitled to £26pw maternity allowance. Had I been paying NI, this goes up to £145pw.

Voluntary Class 2 NI only has to be paid for 13 weeks, to claim the full allowance so I phoned HMRC to start paying now (which I'd just be able to squeeze in 13 weeks) and they told me not to bother. When I put in my claim for maternity allowance, they said that they can backdate the contributions needed (around £38 he said), and all I have to do is pay that, and then I'll be entitled to the full amount. Does this sound correct? It makes me nervous. I just don't want to get to, say August, to be told that it's too late now and I'll only get £26pw.

I've been employed from 2003 until 2013 and have always paid NI during those years, but this is the first time I've had a child since being self-employed.

I'm tempted to start paying the voluntary class 2 contributions now, by direct debit - just to cover myself. Any thoughts or advice welcome please! Thanks.

clairec79

I've known other people on here say they paid the backdated class 2 and got the higher amount -

StacyH_2

Thank you. Seems crazy to me! When I Googled it, a lot of people said they had missed out because they hadn't paid. These posts were a few years old though so I hope the rules have changed recently, for their sake!

sheramber

https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/eligibility

baverdle

Hi! Did you manage to work this out. I am in a similar situation but baby due sooner in early September!! I've been advised to pay the 13 weeks of class 2 NI to go from £27 to the higher rate and I have now paid this but I am unsure what happens next. Did you go back to DWP once you'd paid it? and then did you get the higher rate. I feel like It is taking up heaps of time and if I'm going to only get £27 I will carry on working rather than getting MA.
Thanks for your help!