UK Maternity Pay
Calculator 2026/27
Calculate your Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) week by week. See the 90% earnings phase, the flat-rate phase, and your total pay over 39 weeks.
How is Statutory Maternity Pay calculated?
SMP is paid by your employer for up to 39 weeks. The amount depends on your average weekly earnings (AWE) during an 8-week reference period ending around 15 weeks before your due date.
The first 6 weeks are paid at 90% of your AWE — there is no upper cap on this phase. From week 7 to week 39, you receive the lower of £184.03 per week or 90% of your AWE. For most employees the flat rate of £184.03 applies from week 7 onwards.
What happens after 39 weeks?
Statutory Maternity Leave lasts up to 52 weeks. The final 13 weeks (weeks 40–52) are unpaid under statutory entitlement, though some employers offer enhanced pay. You do not have to take the full 52 weeks — you can return to work at any point after the compulsory two weeks.
Do I qualify for SMP?
You must have been employed by the same employer for at least 26 weeks by the 15th week before your baby is due, and your average weekly earnings must be at least £123 (the lower earnings limit). If you do not qualify for SMP, you may be able to claim Maternity Allowance from the government instead.
Related calculators
Your SMP is based on your average weekly earnings — use the main salary calculator to confirm your current gross pay figure. The take home pay calculator shows your net pay before and after maternity leave begins. Our pension calculator is worth checking if you plan to continue pension contributions during leave, as employer contributions may continue. If you become ill during pregnancy, our sick pay calculator shows your SSP entitlement before SMP begins. Checking minimum wage compliance on return to work? Our minimum wage calculator verifies your hourly rate. If you also have a student loan, our student loan calculator shows how reduced income during leave affects your repayments.
Frequently asked questions
SMP is paid for up to 39 weeks. The first 6 weeks are at 90% of your average weekly earnings with no upper cap. Weeks 7 to 39 are paid at £184.03 per week (2026/27 rate), or 90% of your average weekly earnings if that is lower — whichever is less.
To qualify for SMP you must have worked for the same employer for at least 26 continuous weeks by the 15th week before your expected week of childbirth (the qualifying week). Your average weekly earnings during the 8 weeks before the qualifying week must also be at least £123 — the Lower Earnings Limit.
You are entitled to up to 52 weeks of Statutory Maternity Leave. The first 26 weeks are Ordinary Maternity Leave and the following 26 weeks are Additional Maternity Leave. SMP only covers the first 39 weeks; the final 13 weeks are unpaid (unless your employer offers enhanced pay). You must take at least 2 weeks off immediately after birth.
Yes, SMP counts as taxable income and is subject to income tax and National Insurance in the normal way. However, because SMP is lower than a typical salary, many recipients pay little or no tax during their maternity leave period. Your employer deducts any tax due before paying you.