Thousands of pregnant women in the UK who do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) may still be able to get financial help from the government through a benefit called Maternity Allowance. Instead, Maternity Allowance is a government benefit designed for women who do not meet the rules for SMP. You should report any new job starts, if you begin receiving Statutory Maternity Pay, or if you change your address, name, or bank details. You are permitted to work for up to 10 keeping-in-touch days without affecting your Maternity Allowance payments. This includes:Universal CreditHousing BenefitEmployment and Support Allowance (ESA)Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)Carer’s AllowanceCouncil Tax SupportFor example, if you get Universal Credit, your Maternity Allowance will reduce the amount you get by the same amount.