Credit for Maternity Leave while abroad

Good afternoon, I am living abroad and pay Class 3 voluntary NI contributions. Can you let me know if my NI contributions can be credited while I am on maternity leave, as they would be if I were working in the UK? I don't currently qualify for tax credits/child benefit. Thanks

Hi Lizz34AD Fry,
You will not be entitled to National Insurance credits if you are not living and working in the UK.
You may wish to contact the Department for Work and Pensions to obtain further information about Maternity Allowance. Their number is +44 (0) 191 2187644, lines are open from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Further information can also be found here -  Maternity Allowance Overview
Thank you.