This calculator provides estimates based on 2025/26 SMP rates.

It does not replace advice from HMRC, your employer's HR team or Citizens Advice. Read more about our approach.

Maternity pay calculator UK

Work out how much Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) you are likely to receive, when payments will start and finish, and the key dates to remember. Based on 2025/26 UK rates.

Use your average earnings over the 8 weeks before your qualifying week (15 weeks before your due date).

The earliest you can start is 11 weeks before your due date.

What is Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)?

Statutory Maternity Pay is the minimum amount your employer must pay you while you are on maternity leave, set by the UK government. To qualify, you need to have been continuously employed by the same employer for at least 26 weeks by the 15th week before your due date (the qualifying week), and earning on average at least the Lower Earnings Limit of £123 a week in 2025/26.

SMP is paid for up to 39 weeks. Your employer pays it directly into your bank account through normal payroll, with tax and National Insurance deducted as usual. Most of the cost is reimbursed to your employer by HMRC, so it does not come out of their pocket. If you leave your employer before or during maternity leave, they are still required to pay SMP for the full 39 weeks.

What is Maternity Allowance?

Maternity Allowance is an alternative benefit paid directly by the government for people who do not qualify for SMP. You may be eligible if you are self-employed, recently changed jobs, or earn below the Lower Earnings Limit.

The rate is £187.18 a week or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is lower), paid for up to 39 weeks. You need to have been employed or self-employed for at least 26 of the 66 weeks before your due date.

Apply through gov.uk/maternity-allowance. You can claim from 26 weeks pregnant, with payments starting as early as 11 weeks before your due date.

Does my employer have to pay more?

Many UK employers offer enhanced or occupational maternity pay that is more generous than the statutory minimum. A common enhanced scheme might pay full pay for 6-12 weeks, followed by half pay topped up to the SMP flat rate. Enhanced pay is not a legal requirement, it is a perk.

Check your employment contract, staff handbook, or HR intranet. Ask your HR or line manager if you are not sure. Knowing what your employer offers makes a big difference to how you plan your time off.

Paternity pay

Partners who qualify for Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) are entitled to 1 or 2 weeks of paid leave at £187.18 a week (or 90% of their average weekly earnings if lower). From April 2024, the two weeks can be taken separately within the first year after birth, instead of in one block. Your employer may also offer enhanced paternity or shared parental leave schemes. Read more on Learn more about paternity rights on Gov.uk.

Your maternity rights at work

Protection from dismissal

It is unlawful to be dismissed or treated unfairly because you are pregnant or on maternity leave. Pregnancy is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010.

Paid antenatal appointments

You have the right to reasonable paid time off for antenatal appointments, including NHS classes recommended by your midwife.

Return to the same job (26 weeks)

After ordinary maternity leave of up to 26 weeks, you have the right to return to the same job on the same terms.

Additional maternity leave (27-52 weeks)

If you take any of the extra 26 weeks, you have the right to return to the same job, or a similar role if that is not reasonably practicable.

For free, confidential advice visit Acas or Citizens Advice.

Related guides and tools

Calculate your due date→ Your NHS antenatal appointments→ Build your birth plan→ What to expect after birth→

A note from our team

This calculator reflects 2025/26 UK Statutory Maternity Pay rates from HMRC. Your actual pay depends on your employer's payroll, tax code, enhanced policies and other deductions. Read more about us.

Frequently asked questions

When does SMP start?
SMP starts from the date your maternity leave begins. The earliest you can start maternity leave is 11 weeks before your due date. If your baby arrives early, SMP starts automatically the day after the birth. If you are off sick with a pregnancy-related illness in the 4 weeks before your due date, your leave and SMP will also start automatically.
What is the qualifying week for SMP?
The qualifying week is the 15th week before your expected week of childbirth. By the end of this week you must have been continuously employed by your employer for at least 26 weeks, and earning at least the Lower Earnings Limit (£123 a week in 2025/26) on average. Your average earnings over the 8 weeks before the qualifying week determine your SMP.
What is a MATB1 form and when do I get it?
The MATB1 (or MAT B1) is the maternity certificate your midwife or GP gives you once you are past 20 weeks pregnant. It confirms your due date. You need it to claim Statutory Maternity Pay from your employer, or Maternity Allowance from the government. Give the original to your employer as soon as you receive it.
Can I work during maternity leave?
Yes, up to 10 days called Keeping In Touch (KIT) days. These are optional for both you and your employer, and you continue to receive SMP on top of any pay agreed. Working more than 10 days, or before taking your 2 weeks of compulsory maternity leave after birth, will stop your SMP.
What if I'm self-employed?
Self-employed people are not eligible for SMP, which comes from your employer. Instead you may qualify for Maternity Allowance, paid directly by the government at £187.18 a week (or 90% of your average earnings if lower) for up to 39 weeks. You need to have been self-employed for at least 26 of the 66 weeks before your due date and paying Class 2 National Insurance.
Does maternity pay affect my pension?
Your employer must continue to pay into your workplace pension at the normal rate during paid maternity leave, based on the salary you were earning before leave started. Your own contributions will be based on what you actually receive in SMP. Unpaid maternity leave may create a small gap unless you make voluntary contributions.