Voluntary class 2 NI payments for Maternity allowance

How do payments get allocated? I’ve made the 13 weeks needed to get the full maternity allowance (I’m registered as self employed) - but I’ve not actually applied for it (I can apply in 12 weeks or so)- will it be a problem I’ve paid it too early? I had already done my self assessment from last year and didn’t opt to pay any voluntary class 2 for last year

Hi Jonathan,
You will need to contact the Benefit Claims Helpline on 0800 055 6688 to make a claim for Maternity Allowance (MA).
•    You will need your MAT B1 form from their midwife.
•    The DWP will identify if you need to pay your Class 2 NICS early to qualify for the higher rate of MA.
•    Where early payment is necessary the DWP will immediately contact HMRC who will issue a payment request to you if required and the DWP will write to you to advise the outcome of your claim and if they have contacted HMRC.
Thank you.