Maternity pay for sole traders: what you're entitled to and how to claim it

Sole traders do not get Statutory Maternity Pay from an employer. The main support to look at is Maternity Allowance, which is claimed from the government and depends on work history, earnings, and National Insurance.

Maternity Allowance, not SMP

Statutory Maternity Pay is paid by employers. If you are self-employed as a sole trader, you normally look at Maternity Allowance instead. It can be paid for up to 39 weeks if you meet the eligibility rules.

The 26-week qualifying window

The main test looks at the 66 weeks before the week your baby is due. You usually need to have been employed or self-employed for at least 26 weeks in that test period. The weeks do not always need to be consecutive.

The earnings test

You normally need to have earned at least £30 a week for at least 13 weeks in the test period. You can choose the 13 weeks that give the best result, which can help if your income varies month to month.

How much can you get?

Maternity Allowance is usually paid at the lower of the standard weekly rate or 90% of your average weekly earnings. For 2025/26, the standard weekly rate is £187.18. Always check the current GOV.UK rate before making plans, because benefit rates can change each April.

Why National Insurance matters

For self-employed people, Class 2 National Insurance can affect the rate of Maternity Allowance. If you are treated as having paid Class 2, or you pay voluntary Class 2 where needed, you may qualify for the higher rate. If your NI record is incomplete, you may get a lower rate until contributions are paid.

Read our Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance guide if you are unsure how the post-2024 rules work.

How to claim

1. Use the GOV.UK Maternity Allowance claim form, usually form MA1.
2. Gather evidence of income and work history for the test period.
3. Include your MATB1 certificate from your midwife or doctor.
4. Claim from 26 weeks pregnant; payments can start from 11 weeks before the baby is due.
5. Keep cash-flow records because self-employed income may pause before costs do.

Planning your business cash flow

Maternity Allowance may be lower than your usual income. If you can, build a separate buffer for tax, essential bills, and business subscriptions before leave starts. Use the weekly tax set-aside calculator to keep Self Assessment savings separate from maternity-leave savings.

Official source

GOV.UK explains eligibility and claims here: Maternity Allowance.