UK Statutory Maternity Pay Calculator
Estimate your SMP for 2026/27 — 90% of pay for 6 weeks, then the lower of £194.32 or 90% for 33 weeks.
Average weekly earnings below £129 usually do not qualify for SMP — you may be able to claim Maternity Allowance instead.
How Statutory Maternity Pay works
SMP is paid for up to 39 weeks in two phases:
- Weeks 1–6: 90% of your average weekly earnings (no cap).
- Weeks 7–39: the lower of £194.32 (2026/27) or 90% of your average weekly earnings.
You generally qualify with 26 weeks’ continuous service by the 15th week before the due date and average weekly earnings of at least £129. Maternity leave can last up to 52 weeks; the final 13 weeks are usually unpaid.
Frequently asked questions
SMP is paid for up to 39 weeks: the first 6 weeks at 90% of your average weekly earnings, then the remaining 33 weeks at whichever is lower — £194.32 a week or 90% of your average weekly earnings.
You generally qualify if you have worked for your employer continuously for at least 26 weeks by the 15th week before the due date, and your average weekly earnings are at least the lower earnings limit (£129 in 2026/27). If you do not qualify for SMP, you may be able to claim Maternity Allowance instead.
Statutory maternity leave is up to 52 weeks (26 weeks Ordinary plus 26 weeks Additional). SMP covers up to the first 39 weeks; the final 13 weeks of leave are usually unpaid unless your employer offers more.
Yes. Statutory Maternity Pay is treated like normal earnings, so income tax and National Insurance are deducted as usual.