17.—(1) Where in a certificate issued or having effect as issued under the Social Security (Medical Evidence) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1976(1) it has been certified that it is to be expected that a woman will be confined and she makes a claim for maternity allowance in expectation of that confinement, any such claim may, unless the Department otherwise directs, be treated as a claim for an employment and support allowance, made in respect of any days in the period beginning with either—
(a)the beginning of the 6th week before the expected week of confinement; or
(b)the actual date of confinement,
whichever is the earlier, and ending in either case on the 14th day after the actual date of confinement.
(2) Where, in a certificate issued under the Social Security (Medical Evidence) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1976, it has been certified that a woman has been confined and she claims maternity allowance within 3 months of the date of her confinement, her claim may be treated in the alternative or in addition as a claim for an employment and support allowance for the period beginning with the date of her confinement and ending 14 days after that date.