NHS maternity pay calculator
The NHS occupational maternity scheme (Handbook §15.21) pays 8 weeks at full pay, 18 weeks at half pay plus SMP, then 13 weeks of SMP — far above the statutory scheme. Enter your salary for your own schedule, including the option to spread it evenly.
NHS occupational maternity pay (§15.21)
2026/278 wks full · 18 wks ½ + SMP · 13 wks SMP · 13 wks nil
Needs 12 months' continuous NHS service by the 11th week before the due week, and an intention to return to the NHS for 3 months. Works on any band — enter your own salary.
The conditions that matter
- 12 months' continuous NHS service by the start of the 11th week before your expected week of childbirth (§15.15) — service with any NHS employer counts, with breaks of up to a week disregarded.
- Intention to return to NHS employment for at least 3 months after the leave. Don't return and the occupational part (everything above SMP) is repayable — the SMP element is always yours.
- Spreading (§15.22): by agreement, the same total can be paid in equal instalments over the leave — steadier cash flow, popular for mortgage applications. The calculator shows the equivalent monthly figure.
- Under 12 months' service? You fall back to plain SMP (or Maternity Allowance) — toggle the service question to compare.
Common questions
Which band values does the calculator use?
None — it uses the salary you type, so it's exact for any band, step, or part-time pattern, and immune to pay awards. Look up your band's current salary on your payslip or the latest AfC pay circular.
Is 'full pay' my basic pay or does it include enhancements?
Full pay in §15 is calculated like sick pay — it includes regularly paid supplements such as unsocial-hours payments and high-cost-area supplements, averaged per the handbook rules. If your enhancements are substantial, add them to the salary you enter.
What if I'm on a fixed-term contract?
If it expires after the 11th week before the EWC you're treated like permanent staff for the scheme; if the NHS doesn't re-employ you the repayment condition is waived.
How do NHS Scotland/Wales differ?
The §15 scheme structure (8+18+13) is UK-wide; nations differ on process details and some allowances. Your trust/board's local policy confirms the mechanics.
Sources for the figures on this page
Last checked 3 July 2026- NHS Terms and Conditions of Service Handbook (Agenda for Change)
- HMRC — Rates and thresholds for employers 2026 to 2027
How we keep these current: methodology & update policy.