Maternity Allowance provides you with some money for up to a maximum of 26 weeks to help you take time off work for the birth of your baby and is not subject to tax or National Insurance. However do note that you will only be eligible for this allowance if you are registered with HM Revenue and Customs and paying Class 2 National Insurance contributions or hold a Small Earnings Exception certificate.

In addition to Maternity Allowance you may, depending on your personal situation, be eligible for one or more of the following government allowances.

There are a number of child benefit and tax relief schemes you could be eligible for. You could apply for Income Support, which you would qualify for if you were on a low income or not working at all. This will be a weekly amount, which will continue until you no longer match the requirements and go back to work. Your local Jobcentre Plus office would be able to help.

If you are on income support, for instance income based Jobseekers Allowance, then you could apply for the Sure Start Maternity Grant – a one-off payment of £500, which you would not be required to pay back. You can claim a grant from your local Jobcentre Plus office with the SFI100 Sure Start form.

If you are responsible for at least one child or young person, you may be able to get Child Tax Credit (CTC). Child Tax Credit is paid directly to the person who is mainly responsible for caring for the child or children. Go to the .gov.uk website to see if you qualify to receive tax credits.

See also: Statutory maternity pay UK