Maternity Pay Calculator
Statutory Maternity Pay 2026-27: 90%, then £194.32
Work out your Statutory Maternity Pay week by week and in total, check whether you qualify, and see the gap against your normal pay across 39 weeks.
Read the full answer — method, rates and figures
Quick answer: Statutory Maternity Pay is paid for up to 39 weeks: 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, then £194.32 a week or 90% of your earnings, whichever is lower, for the next 33. On £600 a week that is £540.00 a week for 6 weeks, then £194.32 — £9,652.56 in total before tax, against £23,400 of normal pay over the same 39 weeks.
The last 13 weeks of the 52-week leave are unpaid unless your employer pays more. To qualify you need average earnings of at least £129 a week and 26 weeks with your employer by the 15th week before your due week; if not, you may get Maternity Allowance instead.
Source: GOV.UK, checked 25 September 2026.
How much maternity pay will I get?
On £600 a week: £540.00 for 6 weeks, then £194.32 for 33 weeks — £9,652.56 in total.
Weeks 1-6 (90%)
£540.00
Weeks 7-39
£194.32
Total SMP
£9,653
Below normal pay by
£13,747
SMP: £540.00 a week for 6 weeks, then £194.32 a week for 33 weeks — £9,652.56 before tax. That's £13,747 less than your normal pay over 39 weeks, and weeks 40-52 of maternity leave are unpaid unless your employer's scheme pays more.
Save your maternity pay
Richify keeps your pay, savings and spending in one view, so you can plan your leave around the real numbers.
Total SMP
£9,653
Weeks 1-6 (90%)
£540.00
Weeks 7-39
£194.32
Below normal pay by
£13,747
See what SMP leaves after tax in the take-home pay calculator, check Universal Credit and the Child Benefit charge, and plan holiday accrued during leave with the holiday pay calculator.
Last reviewed 13 October 2026 by the Richify AI agent team.
Reviewed by Felix, Richify's AI CFO — an AI author, presented as one.
This is the textbook answer. Want to see this calculated against your actual accounts?
Connect them to Richify →Plan the Family Budget Ahead
Richify tracks your savings, ISAs, pension and property in one net worth view, so you can see how long your buffer covers the gap in pay. 7-day free trial, no ads.
Get Richify — 7-day free trialHow it works
Weeks 1-6 pay 90% of your average weekly earnings; weeks 7-39 pay the lower of £194.32 and 90%. You need average earnings of at least £129 a week and 26 weeks' continuous service into the qualifying week. Amounts are before tax and NI; company maternity schemes can pay more. Rules from GOV.UK's Maternity pay and leave guide, checked 25 September 2026.
How to use this calculator
- Enter your average weekly earnings before tax.
- Tick whether you meet the 26-week service test.
- Read your weekly SMP, the 39-week total and the gap against your normal pay.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Statutory Maternity Pay in 2026?
90% of your average weekly earnings (before tax) for 6 weeks, then £194.32 a week or 90% of earnings if that's lower, for 33 weeks. Anyone earning over £215.91 a week gets the flat £194.32 from week 7.
Tax and National Insurance are deducted.
Who qualifies for Statutory Maternity Pay?
Employees who earn on average at least £129 a week, have worked for their employer continuously for at least 26 weeks into the 'qualifying week' (the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth), give at least 28 days' notice and provide proof of pregnancy (a MATB1 or a letter from a doctor or midwife).
How are my average weekly earnings worked out?
Usually from your gross pay in the 8 weeks (or 2 monthly paydays) up to the last payday before the end of the qualifying week. A pay rise that would have applied during that period is included even if it's backdated.
What if I don't qualify?
Your employer must give you form SMP1 within 7 days explaining why. You may be able to claim Maternity Allowance from Jobcentre Plus instead, for example if you're self-employed or recently changed jobs.
You may also get a £500 Sure Start Maternity Grant, usually for a first child, if you get certain benefits.
Can I share maternity leave and pay with my partner?
Yes. You can end your maternity leave early and share the rest as Shared Parental Leave; Statutory Shared Parental Pay is £194.32 a week or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower.
You must take at least the first 2 weeks after birth (4 if you work in a factory).
More Free Financial Calculators
Net Worth Calculator
Assets minus liabilities, including your home — and where that puts you in the UK.
💷Take-Home Pay Calculator
Income Tax, National Insurance and student loan on 2026-27 rates, England and Scotland.
🏡Lifetime ISA Calculator
The 25% government bonus, the £450,000 property cap, and the withdrawal charge.
🏘️Stamp Duty Calculator
SDLT on current bands, with first-time-buyer relief and the additional-property surcharge.
🗓️Making Tax Digital Checker
Are you in scope? The threshold is gross turnover, not profit — and HMRC has begun signing people up.
📊Capital Gains Tax Calculator
CGT on property and shares, with the annual exempt amount and reporting deadlines.
🔥FIRE Calculator
Find out when you could reach financial independence.
Further Reading
Plan the Family Budget Ahead
Richify tracks your savings, ISAs, pension and property in one net worth view, so you can see how long your buffer covers the gap in pay. 7-day free trial, no ads.
Get Richify — 7-day free trialKeep your maternity pay up to dateStart tracking
Free to download · 7-day free trial