Maternity Allowance

Maternity Allowance is a United Kingdom social security benefit for women who work but cannot get Statutory Maternity Pay. It can be paid from 11th week before the baby is due. It is paid by the Department for Work and Pensions. 
It is paid to women who have worked and earned at least £30 a week for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before the baby is due. They can also get it if they have worked with a partner who is self employed in the 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before the baby is due. 
It is £156.66 a week or 90% of average weekly earnings (whichever is less). It is paid for up to 39 weeks and is not taxed or means-tested.