Maternity Pay Calculator
Calculate estimated statutory maternity pay based on average weekly earnings and maternity weeks. Uses simplified UK SMP rules for the first 6 weeks and remaining weeks.
Calculator
What this means
Statutory Maternity Pay is paid by employers to eligible employees for up to 39 weeks. The first 6 weeks are paid at 90% of average weekly earnings; the remaining weeks at a lower rate.
How to use this calculator
- Enter your average weekly earnings.
- Choose how many weeks of leave you plan to take.
- See your estimated Statutory Maternity Pay over the period.
Worked example
You earn £500 a week on average and take the full leave.
- First 6 weeks: 90% of £500 = £450 a week.
- Next 33 weeks: the lower of 90% of pay or £194.32 a week.
You'd get £450 a week for 6 weeks, then £194.32 a week for up to 33 weeks.
Who this is for
- Expectant parents planning maternity leave.
- Anyone budgeting for a drop in income during leave.
- People comparing statutory pay with an employer scheme.
How Statutory Maternity Pay works
SMP is paid for up to 39 weeks: 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, then the lower of 90% of earnings or the statutory rate (£194.32 for 2026/27) for the next 33 weeks.
You can take up to 52 weeks of maternity leave even though pay lasts 39 weeks. Many employers offer enhanced maternity pay above the statutory minimum — check your contract.
Frequently asked questions
You must have worked for your employer for at least 26 weeks by the qualifying week and earn above the lower earnings limit.
SMP is paid for up to 39 weeks. You may be entitled to maternity leave for longer, but pay may stop after 39 weeks.
Yes. Some employers offer enhanced maternity pay above the statutory minimum.
Generally you need 26 weeks' continuous service by the qualifying week and to earn at least the lower earnings limit. If not, you may be able to claim Maternity Allowance instead.
Yes. SMP is treated like normal pay, so income tax and National Insurance are deducted through PAYE if you earn enough overall.
Disclaimer
This estimates statutory maternity pay only. Eligibility rules apply — you must meet minimum earnings and employment length requirements. Check GOV.UK for full details.
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