Pay Class 2 Nic For Full Maternity Allowance?

[LittleSquidge]

I became self-employed in January 2017. I filed my 2016/17 tax return and as the business was new, I opted not to make the voluntary Class 2 National Insurance Contributions to save a few pennies.

I am currently pregnant, expecting early 2018.

I recently accepted an employment which is on an adhoc basis and as a result, would not qualify for maternity payments through my employer.

I am fully intending on claiming maternity allowance:
https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/how-to-claim

There is a vast difference between the minimum payments of £27 for 14 weeks, and the full payments of £27 for 39 weeks.

Do I need to have paid those voluntary NICs to qualify?

The calculator at the above link shows I do qualify for the 39 weeks, but the link states “you’re self-employed and pay Class 2 National Insurance (including voluntary National Insurance)”.

Should I amend my tax return?

[Chinajan]

To get the full amount of Maternity Allowance, you must have paid Class 2 National Insurance for at least 13 of the 66 weeks before your baby’s due.

Class 2 contributions are only voluntary if you earn less than £6025 per annum.