What is Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) in the UK?

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is paid by your employer for up to 39 weeks. You get 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, then £184.03 per week (or 90% of your earnings if lower) for the remaining 33 weeks. To qualify, you must have worked for your employer for at least 26 weeks by the 15th week before your due date.

How much is Statutory Maternity Pay in 2026?

UK Statutory Maternity Pay 2026: First 6 weeks: 90% of average weekly earnings (no cap). Remaining 33 weeks: £184.03 per week or 90% of average weekly earnings (whichever is lower). Total SMP for 39 weeks: approximately £7,575 based on £184.03/week rate.

What is Maternity Allowance in the UK?

Maternity Allowance is for women who don't qualify for SMP. You can claim if you're employed but don't meet SMP eligibility, or if you're self-employed. Rate: £184.03 per week (standard) or £27.88 per week (lower rate based on Class 2 NI contributions). Available for up to 39 weeks.

How do I claim maternity pay in the UK?

For SMP: Inform your employer 15 weeks before your due date (MATB1 form). Your employer will pay you through payroll. For Maternity Allowance: Apply to the Jobcentre Plus using form MA1. You need to provide proof of pregnancy and employment details. Apply as soon as you're eligible.

Maternity Pay Calculator UK - Statutory Maternity Pay Estimator

Weekly Earnings	First 6 Weeks	Next 33 Weeks	Total (39 Weeks)
£300	£270	£184	£7,690
£400	£360	£184	£8,240
£500	£450	£184	£8,790
£600	£540	£184	£9,340
£700	£630	£184	£9,890

📝 Complete Guide to Maternity Pay in the UK

This maternity pay calculator UK helps you estimate your Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) or Maternity Allowance. Understanding your maternity pay is essential for financial planning during pregnancy leave.

💰 What is Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)?

SMP is paid by your employer for up to 39 weeks:

First 6 weeks: 90% of average weekly earnings
Next 33 weeks: £184.03 per week or 90% of earnings (whichever is lower)
Eligibility: Worked 26 weeks by 15th week before due date
Earnings threshold: Average earnings at least £123 per week
Tax & NI: SMP is taxable, but National Insurance applies

📊 What is Maternity Allowance (MA)?

For those who don't qualify for SMP:

Rate: £184.03 per week (standard) or £27.88 per week (lower)
Duration: Up to 39 weeks
Eligibility: Self-employed, or employed but not qualifying for SMP
Claims: Apply to Jobcentre Plus
Tax: Maternity Allowance is tax-free

📈 UK Maternity Pay Statistics (2026)

Average weekly earnings: £500
Average SMP total: £8,790 (39 weeks)
60% of women take full 39 weeks
Average maternity leave: 9-12 months
70% of women return to work after maternity leave
50% of employers offer enhanced maternity pay

💡 Tips for Maximizing Maternity Pay

Check Company Policy: Enhanced pay may exceed SMP
Plan Savings: Prepare for reduced income
Claim Benefits: Check eligibility for Universal Credit
Use Tax-Free Childcare: Save on childcare costs
Consider Shared Parental Leave: Split leave between parents
Return to Work: Keep in touch days (10 days maximum)

⚡ Key Maternity Pay Deadlines

Notify Employer: 15 weeks before due date
MATB1 Form: Provided by midwife after 20 weeks
Maternity Allowance: Apply as early as possible
Start Date: Usually 11 weeks before due date
KIT Days: 10 days during maternity leave

⚠️ Important Considerations

Eligibility: Check SMP eligibility criteria
Self-Employed: Check NI contributions
Multiple Pregnancies: Same SMP rates apply
Tax: SMP is taxable income
Universal Credit: May affect benefits

Maternity Pay Calculator UK

📊 Your Maternity Details

📊 Maternity Pay Breakdown

📊 UK Maternity Pay by Earnings