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UK Statutory Maternity Pay

SMP Calculator (UK)

Statutory Maternity Pay is the minimum legal maternity pay UK employees are entitled to. 39 weeks of pay split into two parts: 6 weeks at 90% of your average earnings, then 33 weeks at £184.03/week (or 90% of earnings if lower). This calculator works out your weekly and total SMP estimate. Plus what to do if you do not qualify (Maternity Allowance is your backup option). All calculations stay in your browser. Your salary is never sent to our servers.

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UK-specific tool. Based on 2025-26 SMP rates (£184.03/week, £125/week earnings threshold). Updated when HMRC publishes 2026-27 rates in April 2026.

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) Calculator

Average over 8 weeks ending 15 weeks before due date. Must be at least £125/week to qualify for SMP.
Used to estimate when SMP starts

Your SMP Estimate

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this tool

Your employer averages your gross earnings (before tax) over the 8 weeks immediately before the qualifying week (the 15th week before your due date). The qualifying week is roughly 25 weeks pregnant. Any earnings count: basic pay, overtime, bonuses, commission. If you had any unpaid weeks during the calculation period, those weeks still count but with zero earnings, lowering your average. If you have variable income (commission-based, zero hours), your average might be lower than your typical pay.
No. SMP is for employees only. Self-employed mothers should claim Maternity Allowance (MA) instead. To qualify for MA, you need to 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 in any 13 of those weeks. MA pays the same rate as SMP (lower of £184.03/week or 90% of average earnings) for up to 39 weeks. Apply with Form MA1 from gov.uk.
SMP is paid by your employer (and your employer reclaims most or all of it from HMRC). MA is paid directly by the government. SMP is for employed women. MA is for self-employed women, those who recently changed jobs, or those with low earnings. SMP has the 90% of pay in the first 6 weeks. MA does not (you get the flat rate from week 1). Both pay for up to 39 weeks. SMP has slightly stricter eligibility (26 weeks with same employer). MA has more flexible work history rules.
SMP counts as earnings for Universal Credit purposes. Your UC payment will reduce based on the standard taper rate (currently 55% of earnings above your work allowance, if you have one). However SMP is generally lower than your normal earnings, so your UC payment may go up during maternity leave compared to when you were working full hours. Use the gov.uk benefits calculator to estimate the combined effect. The Maternity Action helpline (0808 802 0029) offers free advice.
Yes through Shared Parental Leave (SPL). You can transfer up to 50 weeks of leave and up to 37 weeks of pay to your partner (or split it between you). SPL can be taken in up to 3 blocks. Both parents must give 8 weeks notice. Statutory Shared Parental Pay (ShPP) is the same flat rate as SMP weeks 7-39 (£184.03 or 90% of average earnings, whichever is lower). Apply through your employer. Forms and guidance at gov.uk/shared-parental-leave.
At least 15 weeks before your due date (so around 25 weeks pregnant). You must give your employer notice in writing of: when your baby is due, when you want to start maternity leave, and a MAT B1 certificate from your midwife. The MAT B1 is issued around 20 weeks pregnant. Earlier notice is fine and often helpful for planning, but the 15-week notice is the legal minimum for SMP and statutory maternity leave rights. Many women tell their employer at 12-16 weeks once they have shared news with close family.
No. You have legal protection during pregnancy and maternity leave under the Equality Act 2010 and Maternity and Parental Leave Regulations 1999. Your employer cannot fire you, demote you, or treat you unfairly because of pregnancy or maternity leave. You have the right to return to your same job (after Ordinary Maternity Leave of 26 weeks) or to your same or similar job (after Additional Maternity Leave of 26 more weeks). Redundancy during maternity leave has special protections too. If you experience pregnancy or maternity discrimination, contact ACAS (0300 123 1100) or a solicitor.