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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Generally, you cannot claim Universal Credit (UC) while on statutory maternity leave and receiving Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP). This is because your earnings from SMP are usually too high to be eligible for UC. However, there are specific circumstances where you might be able to claim, particularly if your SMP ends or if you have no other income.

Key Facts

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is a significant income, often disqualifying you from Universal Credit.
Eligibility for Universal Credit depends on your household income and savings.
If your SMP ends and your income drops significantly, you may become eligible for UC.
Certain benefits like the Child Benefit might be payable alongside maternity leave.
It's crucial to check your individual circumstances with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or Citizens Advice.

Overview

Navigating the world of benefits and maternity leave can be complex. Many expectant and new mothers wonder if they can supplement their maternity pay with Universal Credit (UC). Understanding the eligibility criteria for UC and how it interacts with Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is essential for ensuring you receive the financial support you are entitled to during this significant period of your life. While the general rule is that SMP is a high enough income to make you ineligible for UC, there are nuances and specific situations that can alter this outcome.

The UK's social security system is designed to provide a safety net for individuals and families facing financial hardship. Universal Credit is a single integrated payment designed to help with living costs, replacing several other welfare benefits. Maternity leave, on the other hand, is a period of absence from work granted to mothers following childbirth, often accompanied by statutory pay. The interplay between these two systems is governed by strict income and capital thresholds, meaning a direct claim for UC while receiving a substantial income like SMP is typically not possible.

How It Works

Eligibility for Universal Credit: Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit. This means your eligibility and the amount you receive are determined by your household income, savings, and specific circumstances. There are work allowances for those who are working or have recently stopped working, but these are applied after your earnings are assessed. If your income, including any benefits like SMP, exceeds a certain threshold, you will not qualify for UC. The government sets these thresholds, and they can change.
Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP): SMP is a payment made by your employer to eligible employees on maternity leave. To be eligible, you must have been employed continuously by your employer for at least 26 weeks before the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth. You must also earn on average at least the lower earnings limit (LEL) for National Insurance contributions. SMP is paid for up to 39 weeks. The first six weeks are typically paid at 90% of your average weekly earnings, followed by 33 weeks at a flat rate or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower.
The Interaction Between UC and SMP: Because SMP is a regular income, often at a rate that significantly exceeds the income threshold for Universal Credit, most women receiving it will not be eligible to claim UC. UC is intended to support those with low incomes or no income. Therefore, the earnings from SMP are usually too high to meet the criteria for UC. Any savings you have above £16,000 will also typically prevent you from claiming UC.
When You Might Be Able to Claim UC: There are specific scenarios where you might become eligible for Universal Credit around the time of maternity leave. If you are not eligible for SMP (e.g., you haven't worked long enough for your employer, or you are self-employed and don't qualify for Maternity Allowance), and you have no other income, you may be able to claim UC. Additionally, if your SMP or Maternity Allowance ends, and your income drops below the UC threshold, you could become eligible. This often happens after the paid maternity leave period concludes, and if you are not returning to work immediately or are on unpaid leave.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Universal Credit (UC)	Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)
Purpose	To provide financial support for living costs for those on low income or out of work.	To provide income replacement for eligible employed women during maternity leave.
Eligibility Basis	Means-tested, based on income, savings, and household circumstances.	Based on employment status, length of service, and earnings with a specific employer.
Income Level for Eligibility	Requires a low income or no income. Higher earnings (including SMP) generally disqualify claimants.	A fixed rate or percentage of average earnings, intended to be a significant income replacement.
Timing	Can be claimed at any time if eligible, including during periods of unemployment or low income.	Paid for a specific period (up to 39 weeks) following childbirth for eligible employees.

Why It Matters

Impact on Household Finances: For many families, maternity leave represents a significant change in household income. Understanding the potential for supplemental benefits like UC is crucial for effective financial planning. If you are not eligible for SMP and have little to no other income, UC can provide essential support for basic living expenses.
Access to Other Support: Eligibility for UC can also open the door to other forms of support, such as help with dental costs, prescriptions, and school meals. This integrated approach aims to alleviate financial pressure on low-income families. Therefore, understanding your UC eligibility during maternity leave can have wider financial implications.
Seeking Professional Advice: The rules surrounding benefits and maternity pay can be intricate. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) provides official guidance, but seeking advice from organisations like Citizens Advice or a welfare rights specialist can be invaluable. They can assess your unique circumstances and provide tailored information on what benefits you might be entitled to, ensuring you don't miss out on vital support during your maternity leave.

In conclusion, while claiming Universal Credit while receiving Statutory Maternity Pay is generally not possible due to income limits, it's not an absolute rule for every situation. It is vital to assess your individual financial standing and consult official resources or advice services to determine your specific eligibility. Planning for maternity leave involves understanding all available financial support mechanisms, ensuring a more secure and manageable period for you and your growing family.