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Maternity Pay Calculator

Catherine Bourne

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Catherine Bourne

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Use this UK Maternity Pay Calculator to estimate how much Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) you could receive during your maternity leave. The calculator uses the latest 2026 statutory rates and allows you to input your salary annually, monthly, or weekly to provide an accurate 39-week breakdown. It helps you understand how your pay changes from the initial 90% earnings phase to the statutory flat rate so you can plan your household finances during maternity leave.

👶 Is your partner also planning to take time off? Our Paternity Pay Calculator can help estimate their statutory entitlement so you can plan your family’s budget together. Make sure to check it out right after this Maternity Pay guide!

What is the Maternity Pay Calculator (UK)?

The Maternity Pay Calculator is a simple financial planning tool for employees in the United Kingdom who want to estimate their Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP). As of the 2026 tax year, the statutory weekly maternity pay rate is £194.32.

Maternity pay is not a single fixed payment. It is calculated in two phases: an initial period based on a percentage of your salary followed by a statutory weekly rate. This calculator converts your annual, monthly, or weekly salary into an estimated payment schedule that accounts for the 2026 Lower Earnings Limit (LEL) of £129.

How is Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) calculated?

Statutory Maternity Pay can be paid for up to 39 weeks. While maternity leave can last up to 52 weeks, the final 13 weeks are usually unpaid unless your employer provides enhanced maternity benefits.

The calculation is based on your Average Weekly Earnings (AWE), usually calculated from your earnings during an eight-week reference period before the qualifying week.

T = (6 weeks × 90% of AWE) + (33 weeks × £194.32*)

*During Phase 2 you receive the lower of £194.32 or 90% of your average weekly earnings.

Example Maternity Pay Calculation

To understand how Statutory Maternity Pay works with an annual salary input, here is a practical example.

Example: Sarah has a gross annual salary of £32,000 and qualifies for Statutory Maternity Pay.

  • Average Weekly Earnings: £615.38 (£32,000 ÷ 52 weeks)
  • First 6 weeks (90%): £553.84 per week
  • Remaining 33 weeks: £194.32 per week (statutory rate)

Total maternity pay estimate:

  • 6 weeks × £553.84 = £3,323.04
  • 33 weeks × £194.32 = £6,412.56

Total estimated maternity pay: £9,735.60 over 39 weeks. Your actual results may vary depending on your exact earnings during the qualifying period.

The Two Phases: 90% Earnings vs Statutory Rate

  • Phase 1 (First 6 Weeks): You receive 90% of your average weekly earnings before tax. There is no upper limit during this period, meaning higher earners receive a larger initial payout.
  • Phase 2 (Remaining 33 Weeks): You receive the statutory rate of £194.32 per week for the 2026/27 tax year, or 90% of your earnings if that amount is lower.

Eligibility Criteria: The 26-week and Earnings Rules

To qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay through your employer, you must usually meet the following conditions by the qualifying week (the 15th week before your baby is due):

  1. Employment requirement: You must have worked for your employer continuously for at least 26 weeks up to the qualifying week.
  2. Earnings requirement: Your average weekly earnings must be at least £129 per week, which is the Lower Earnings Limit for the 2026 tax year.

Statutory Maternity Pay vs Maternity Allowance

If you do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay, you may still be eligible for Maternity Allowance. This benefit is typically available to people who are self-employed, recently changed jobs, or do not meet the SMP earnings requirements.

Maternity Allowance is paid by the government for up to 39 weeks. The maximum weekly amount is also £194.32 for the 2026 tax year. To apply, you normally need to complete an MA1 claim form and provide evidence of earnings during the 66 weeks before your baby is due (GOV.UK).

Important Deadlines: The Qualifying Week

To receive Statutory Maternity Pay on time, you must follow these employer notification rules:

  • Notice period: You must inform your employer at least 28 days before the date you want your maternity pay to start.
  • Proof of pregnancy: You must provide a MATB1 certificate from your doctor or midwife.
  • Qualifying week: Your eligibility is determined during the 15th week before your due date.

How to use the Maternity Pay Calculator

  1. Select salary basis: Choose Annually, Monthly, or Weekly depending on how you are paid.
  2. Enter gross salary: Input your pay before tax, National Insurance, or pension deductions.
  3. Choose weeks: The calculator defaults to 39 weeks but can be adjusted if you return to work earlier.
  4. View results: The calculator will show your “Calculated Weekly Average” and the breakdown for Phase 1 and Phase 2.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What if I am expecting twins?
Statutory Maternity Pay is the same regardless of whether you are having one baby or multiples. The entitlement remains 39 weeks.

Can I work Keeping in Touch (KIT) days?
Yes. You can work up to 10 KIT days during maternity leave without affecting your Statutory Maternity Pay.

Does SMP increase if rates change during my leave?
If the statutory rate increases during your maternity leave, payments for the remaining weeks may increase to the new rate.

Do I have to repay SMP if I do not return to work?
No. Statutory Maternity Pay does not need to be repaid. However, enhanced maternity pay from your employer may have different rules.

Can maternity leave be shared with my partner?
Yes. Through Shared Parental Leave, you may be able to share part of your leave and pay with your partner.

Sources

This calculator provides estimates based on publicly available UK government guidance. Results should be used for informational purposes only.

Statutory Maternity Pay lasts for up to 39 weeks.
Calculated Weekly Average: £0.00
First 6 Weeks (90%): £0.00
Remaining Weeks: £0.00
Total Maternity Pay: £0.00
2026 rates: 90% for 6 weeks, then £194.32 (or 90% if lower) for 33 weeks.