What to Expect When You’re Expecting and Self-Employed
By Shannon Kate Murray, Founder & Editor of High Flying DesignFor many self-employed women, pregnancy comes with a unique problem: there’s no clear place to turn for answers.
No HR department, no maternity handbook, and no obvious explanation of what you’re entitled to or how taking time off is supposed to work when you run your own business.
Instead, many founders find themselves quietly searching for answers late at night, trying to piece together information from government websites, forums, and social media - often while still working full client schedules.
It’s a blind spot that isn’t talked about enough.
Recently, one self-employed business owner, Alicia “Liz” Reynolds, began publicly documenting her attempt to understand what support actually exists when you’re pregnant and self-employed in the UK. Her experience reflects a much wider issue: a system that technically offers options, but explains them poorly.
This piece looks at what that confusion reveals and what self-employed women need to know before panic sets in.
The problem isn’t lack of support, it’s lack of clarity
One of the most common assumptions is that self-employed women aren’t entitled to anything when they’re pregnant.
That isn’t true. But the reality is far from straightforward.
Unlike employees, self-employed women don’t receive Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP). Instead, those who qualify can apply for Maternity Allowance, which is administered separately through Jobcentre Plus.
The issue is that many women don’t find this out until they’re already overwhelmed, and by then, planning feels harder than it needs to be.
What maternity pay actually looks like if you’re self-employed (UK)
Based on current government guidance, Maternity Allowance works like this:
You can apply once you are 26 weeks pregnant.
Payments can start up to 11 weeks before your due date, or after the baby is born.
The maximum payment is £187.18 per week.
The minimum payment is £27 per week, depending on earnings and National Insurance contributions.
The amount you receive is linked to your work history and Class 2 National Insurance record. In some cases, women offered the minimum amount may be able to increase it by paying outstanding contributions - something many aren’t aware of until they ask.
Another key point: applications can take time to process. Applying as early as possible helps reduce unnecessary stress later on.
What if your situation isn’t straightforward?
For many women, income doesn’t fit neatly into one category.
If you are both employed and self-employed, maternity pay is usually paid through your employed role. You can’t claim Statutory Maternity Pay and Maternity Allowance at the same time.
If you are the director of your own limited company, maternity pay works differently again. In this case, Statutory Maternity Pay is paid through your company’s payroll and reclaimed from HMRC, provided eligibility criteria are met.
These distinctions matter - and they’re often not explained clearly unless you actively go looking.
Can you earn money while claiming maternity allowance?
This is one of the areas that causes the most confusion.
While claiming Maternity Allowance, you are allowed up to 10 “Keeping in Touch” days. These are intended for limited activity such as admin, maintaining client relationships, or small amounts of work needed to keep things running.
Working beyond those days can affect your payments.
Passive income is treated differently. Income from things that already exist (such as online courses, memberships, digital products, or rental income) may not count as working days, provided you are not actively promoting or managing them.
Any work carried out should be declared to Jobcentre Plus, not HMRC - a detail many people don’t realise.
What if pregnancy makes working impossible?
Another assumption that causes unnecessary anxiety is the idea that you must keep working right up until birth to qualify for support.
In reality, eligibility for Maternity Allowance is based on work completed during a qualifying period, not whether you’re currently working.
If pregnancy sickness or complications mean you need to stop earlier than planned, you may still be entitled to support. In some cases, payments can start earlier, and limited admin may still be permitted.
The important point is this: being self-employed doesn’t mean you have to struggle in silence.
The financial reality and why planning matters
Even with support in place, the numbers are modest.
There is no sick pay, no holiday pay, and no guaranteed safety net. For most self-employed women, savings play a significant role in making time off possible.
The most practical approach is simple:
decide how much time you realistically want or need off
calculate essential personal and business expenses
work towards covering those costs in advance
That preparation doesn’t remove uncertainty, but it does reduce panic.
Why this conversation matters
Experiences like Liz’s highlight a lack of accessible information.
As more women build careers outside traditional employment structures, pregnancy and self-employment will increasingly overlap. Clearer explanations, earlier planning, and open conversations matter.
Not because the system is generous, but because understanding it enables women to make informed decisions rather than guessing under pressure.
For anyone self-employed and thinking about having a baby (now or in the future), knowing your options is the first step towards feeling more in control.
Please consult official government sources or professional advisors for advice specific to your circumstances.
