Maternity pay calculator (SMP)
Statutory Maternity Pay runs for 39 weeks: the first 6 at 90% of your average earnings (no cap), then 33 weeks at £194.32 — or 90% of earnings if that's lower. Enter your pay to see the week-by-week schedule and total.
SMP standard rate from 6 April 2026
2026/27£194.32 per week
Weeks 1–6 pay 90% of your average weekly earnings uncapped; weeks 7–39 pay the flat rate or 90%, whichever is lower. Paid through payroll, minus tax and NI.
What the schedule means in practice
SMP is a payroll payment — your employer pays it and reclaims most of it from HMRC, and it arrives like salary with tax and NI deducted. The 39 paid weeks sit inside your 52-week leave entitlement: weeks 40–52 are unpaid unless your employer has an occupational scheme (NHS and teachers both do — their calculators layer the occupational money on top).
To qualify you need 26 weeks of service by the qualifying week and average earnings of at least £129 — the eligibility checker works both out from your due date. Not eligible? You'll likely get Maternity Allowance at the same standard rate.
Common questions
Is SMP paid per week or monthly?
Will a pay rise change my SMP?
What if I have twins?
Can I work during maternity leave without losing SMP?
Do bonuses count in average weekly earnings?
Sources for the figures on this page
Last checked 3 July 2026How we keep these current: methodology & update policy.