Statutory Maternity Pay Calculator UK

Work out your UK Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) for 2026/27 based on your average weekly earnings and due date.

Maternity Pay Calculator
Used to work out your qualifying week
No earlier than 11 weeks before due date
£
Average gross pay for one of your normal pay periods
To check 26 weeks continuous service
UK Maternity Pay – Key Facts
  • 26 weeks minimum continuous service required at the qualifying week.
  • £129/week Lower Earnings Limit for 2026/27 (must earn on average at least this).
  • First 6 weeks: 90% of average weekly earnings.
  • Next 33 weeks: lower of £194.32 or 90% of average weekly earnings.
  • SMP can start up to 11 weeks before your due date.
  • If you don't qualify for SMP, you may be able to claim Maternity Allowance from the DWP.
Frequently Asked Questions

You qualify for SMP if you have been continuously employed by the same employer for at least 26 weeks up to and including the qualifying week (the 15th week before your expected week of childbirth) AND you earn on average at least the Lower Earnings Limit (£129/week in 2026/27) in the 8 weeks before the qualifying week. You must also still be pregnant 11 weeks before the start of the expected week of childbirth (or have already given birth).

SMP is paid for up to 39 weeks. For the first 6 weeks you receive 90% of your average weekly earnings (no upper limit). For the remaining 33 weeks you receive whichever is lower of £194.32 (the 2026/27 statutory flat rate) or 90% of your average weekly earnings.

The qualifying week is the 15th week before the week your baby is due (the Sunday before your due date is the start of the expected week of childbirth, or EWC). To work it out, count back 15 weeks from the start of your EWC. Your continuous employment and earnings are tested up to and including this week.

Average weekly earnings (AWE) are calculated from your gross earnings in the 8 weeks (if paid weekly) or 2 months (if paid monthly) ending with the last payday before the end of the qualifying week. The figure includes everything subject to NI: salary, bonuses, commission and contractual maternity-related payments. Add the gross pay, divide to get a weekly average.

SMP can start no earlier than 11 weeks before the EWC. It is automatically triggered if you are off work with a pregnancy-related illness in the 4 weeks before the EWC, or by the day after you give birth. SMP runs for up to 39 weeks. Maternity leave itself can be up to 52 weeks; the final 13 weeks are unpaid unless your employer offers contractual enhancement.

Yes. SMP is treated like normal pay – it is subject to PAYE income tax and Class 1 National Insurance contributions, and student loan deductions if applicable. Your employer pays SMP and can usually reclaim 92% of it from HMRC (or 103% if eligible for Small Employers' Relief).
2026/27 Rates
Flat rate£194.32/week
LEL£129.00/week
Max length39 weeks
First 6 weeks90% of AWE
Next 33 weeksMin(£194.32, 90% AWE)
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Disclaimer

This calculator gives an estimate based on UK SMP rules for 2026/27. Your employer's payroll calculation is authoritative. If unsure, ask your employer or check GOV.UK / ACAS.