Maternity pay calculator
Your Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) for each stage of the 39 weeks, from your average weekly earnings.
Quick answer. Statutory Maternity Pay is 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, then £194.32 a week or 90% of your earnings, whichever is lower, for the next 33 weeks. On average earnings of £500 a week that is £2,700 for the first 6 weeks and £6,412.56 for the next 33 — £9,112.56 in total, before tax.
Work out your Statutory Maternity Pay
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| Weeks 1–6 (90%) | — |
|---|---|
| Weeks 7–39 | — |
| Weeks 40–52 | Unpaid by SMP |
| Compared with your normal pay over 39 weeks | — |
Who qualifies for SMP
To get Statutory Maternity Pay you must earn on average at least £129 a week, give your employer the correct notice and proof you are pregnant, and have worked for your employer continuously for at least 26 weeks into the "qualifying week" — the 15th week before the week your baby is due. Your average weekly earnings are worked out from your pay over a set period before that week, so an annual salary divided by 52 is only a guide.
If you do not qualify
Your employer must give you form SMP1 explaining why, within 7 days of deciding. You may be able to get Maternity Allowance instead. Statutory Maternity Leave is separate from pay: employees can take up to 52 weeks however long they have worked for their employer.
Tax, your contract and shared leave
SMP is paid like wages, weekly or monthly, with tax and National Insurance taken off. Many employers pay more under an enhanced maternity scheme, so check your contract. If you and your partner use Shared Parental Leave, Statutory Shared Parental Pay is paid at the same £194.32 a week or 90% of earnings, whichever is lower.
Common questions
How much is Statutory Maternity Pay in 2026/27?
90% of your average weekly earnings before tax for the first 6 weeks, then £194.32 a week or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower, for the next 33 weeks.
How long is Statutory Maternity Pay paid for?
Up to 39 weeks. Statutory Maternity Leave can last 52 weeks, so the last 13 weeks of a full year off are not covered by SMP.
How much do I need to earn to get SMP?
On average at least £129 a week, and you must have worked for your employer continuously for at least 26 weeks into the 15th week before your baby is due.
Is maternity pay taxed?
Yes. SMP is paid in the same way as your wages and tax and National Insurance are deducted.
What if I earn less than £194.32 a week?
Then 90% of your average weekly earnings is lower than £194.32, so you get 90% of your earnings for all 39 weeks.
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