An increase in maternity pay has come in this week and it's set to benefit 40,000 mums. The standard rate of maternity allowance has risen by 10.1%, alongside other benefits paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
It is worth £15.82 per week, adding up to £617 for the 39 weeks for which it can be claimed. The increase is automatic and the DWP said it was expected to benefit around 40,000 mothers who are on maternity leave this year, reports LancsLive.
DWP minister, Viscount Younger of Leckie, said: “We want every child to have a good start in life, which is why we are increasing our support for mums. This builds on our extension of free childcare for working parents from this summer, alongside an increase to the universal credit childcare cost cap and further help with upfront payments. These changes will help parents progress in work and earn a better living to support their family.”
The payments provide a safety net for women before and after childbirth for up to 39 weeks and are designed to cover those who do not qualify for statutory maternity pay – usually because they are on low wages or are self-employed. During 2021-2022, £360million was paid out in maternity allowance, supporting 46,000 mothers during and after pregnancy, according to the DWP.
Working mothers receiving the standard rate of statutory maternity pay from their employer are also receiving a £15.82-a-week rise. People can check their eligibility for maternity allowance at gov.uk/maternity-allowance
Maternity allowance can be claimed from 26 weeks into pregnancy. Claims within three months after giving birth can still lead to receiving the full 39 weeks’ worth of payments. The maternity allowance is managed by the DWP across Britain and the increases are being mirrored in Northern Ireland.
The announcement comes after the DWP confirmed that State Pensions will also increase in line with inflation. For those on the new State Pension, there will be an increase from £185.15 per week to £203.85 per week.
