How to Use the UK Maternity Pay Calculator
The UK Maternity Pay Calculator produces a week-by-week breakdown of your Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP), showing what you'll receive during each phase of your 39-week SMP entitlement. It also handles enhanced maternity pay if your employer offers a better deal.
SMP is paid in two phases: the first 6 weeks at 90% of your average weekly earnings, then 33 weeks at the flat SMP rate (£184.03/week in 2024/25, rising to £187.18/week in 2025/26). Enter your average weekly earnings and any enhanced pay terms to see your full maternity payment schedule.
A critical nuance is eligibility: you must have worked for your employer for 26 weeks before the 15th week before your due date (the 'qualifying week') and earn at least £123/week. If you don't qualify for SMP, you may still be entitled to Maternity Allowance from the government, payable at the same rate for up to 39 weeks.
📊 Worked Example
Average weekly earnings £600 (£31,200/year), standard SMP 2025/26:
- Weeks 1–6 (90%): £540/week = £3,240 total
- Weeks 7–39 (flat rate): £187.18/week = £6,175 total
- Total SMP: £9,415 over 39 weeks
- Additional 13 weeks unpaid leave also available
Common Use Cases
- ✅ Planning your finances during maternity leave
- ✅ Calculating total SMP entitlement for a 39-week period
- ✅ Comparing statutory SMP with any enhanced employer maternity pay
- ✅ Working out when you need to return to work to maintain specific income
- ✅ Understanding eligibility for SMP vs Maternity Allowance
- ✅ Budgeting for the period of lower income during parental leave
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Statutory Maternity Pay last?
SMP is paid for up to 39 weeks. The first 6 weeks are paid at 90% of average weekly earnings. The remaining 33 weeks are paid at the lower of 90% of average weekly earnings or the SMP flat rate (£187.18/week in 2025/26). You can take a further 13 weeks of unpaid Maternity Leave after SMP ends.
Do I have to repay SMP if I don't return to work?
No. Statutory Maternity Pay is yours to keep regardless of whether you return to work. However, some employers offer enhanced maternity pay in exchange for you returning for a minimum period. If you don't meet this condition, you may need to repay any enhanced pay above the SMP rate.
When does SMP start?
SMP can start from 11 weeks before your due date at the earliest. It must start the day after birth if the baby arrives earlier. Many women start the week before their due date. You choose your start date by giving your employer at least 28 days' notice.
What is Shared Parental Leave?
If you and your partner both qualify, you can convert your remaining Maternity Leave and Pay into Shared Parental Leave (SPL), allowing your partner to take some of the leave and pay. You can even take the leave simultaneously. SPL pay is at the same rates as SMP.
What if I have twins or multiple births?
SMP rates and duration are the same regardless of the number of babies. However, you may be entitled to additional Child Benefit (one amount for the oldest child, a lower amount per additional child). Premature births may slightly affect your average earnings calculation used for SMP.