How much is Statutory Maternity Pay in 2026?

In 2026, Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is paid at 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, then at the flat rate of £187.18 per week (or 90% of earnings if lower) for the remaining 33 weeks — 39 weeks total.

Do I qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay?

To qualify for SMP you must be an employee (not self-employed), have worked for your employer for at least 26 weeks by the 15th week before your due date, and earn at least £125 per week on average. You must give at least 28 days' notice.

What is Maternity Allowance and who gets it?

Maternity Allowance is paid by the government (not your employer) if you do not qualify for SMP — for example if you are self-employed or a recent new starter. It is paid at the same flat rate (£187.18/week in 2025) for up to 39 weeks.

Finance & Employment

Maternity Pay Calculator 2026 – SMP, Enhanced Pay & Maternity Allowance

Calculate your complete maternity pay week by week for 2026. Covers Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP), employer enhanced pay on top, Maternity Allowance if you don't qualify for SMP, KIT days earnings, and Shared Parental Leave split options.

Updated April 2026 · SMP flat rate £187.18/week · MA rate £187.18/week

✅ Rates verified April 2026 · Sourced from HMRC, DWP & UK legislation · About our verification process

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) 2026 Rates

SMP is paid by your employer for up to 39 weeks. The first 6 weeks are paid at 90% of your average gross weekly earnings (no cap). Weeks 7–39 are paid at the lower of the flat rate (£187.18/week for 2025) or 90% of your average weekly earnings. Your average is calculated from the 8 weeks of pay before the 15th week before your due date.

SMP eligibility checklist: You must be an employee (not self-employed), have worked for your employer continuously for at least 26 weeks by the 15th week before your due date, and earn at least £125/week (the Lower Earnings Limit for 2025/26). You must give at least 28 days' notice of your intended start date.

Enhanced Maternity Pay

Many employers offer more than the statutory minimum. Common enhanced schemes include full pay for the first 4–12 weeks, half pay for a further period, or a contractual top-up to bring SMP up to your full salary. The calculator lets you model any enhanced arrangement on top of statutory SMP.

Maternity Allowance — If You Don't Qualify for SMP

If you don't qualify for SMP — for example if you are self-employed, a recent new starter, or recently changed employer — you may still qualify for Maternity Allowance (MA) from the government. MA is paid at the same rate as SMP (£187.18/week for 2026 or 90% of your average weekly earnings if lower) for up to 39 weeks. You must have been employed or self-employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your due date and earned at least £30/week on average.

Keeping in Touch (KIT) Days

You are entitled to work up to 10 Keeping in Touch days during maternity leave without losing SMP. KIT days are paid at your normal daily rate on top of your SMP — they do not replace it. They are optional and must be agreed with your employer. KIT days can be used for training, team meetings, or a phased return.

Shared Parental Leave (SPL): If you return to work early, your partner can take the remaining leave and pay as Shared Parental Leave. SPL pay matches the SMP flat rate (£187.18/week). The calculator shows how much leave would be available to share if you return at various points.

Pension during maternity leave: Your employer must continue contributing to your workplace pension during paid maternity leave based on your normal (pre-leave) salary, even though your SMP is lower. You only contribute based on what you are actually paid.