UK Statutory Maternity Pay Calculator

Your SMP has two parts. For the first 6 weeks you get 90% of your average weekly earnings (AWE) before tax, with no upper limit. For the remaining 33 weeks (39 weeks in total) you get whichever is lower: £194.32 per week, or 90% of your AWE. Your employer works out your AWE from your pay in the run-up to the qualifying week.

For the first 6 weeks, 90% of your average weekly earnings, uncapped. For weeks 7 to 39, whichever is lower: £194.32 per week, or 90% of your average weekly earnings. For example, on average weekly earnings of £600, the first 6 weeks pay £540 per week, and the remaining 33 weeks pay the capped rate of £194.32 per week.

SMP starts when your maternity leave starts, which you and your employer agree in line with the notice you give. This calculator works out the weekly and total amounts you are entitled to across the 39-week pay period; it does not calculate exact calendar start or end dates.

For the first 6 weeks of your maternity pay period, SMP is set at 90% of your average weekly earnings with no upper limit, so higher earners are not capped during this initial period. From week 7 onward the rate switches to whichever is lower: 90% of earnings, or the standard weekly rate of £194.32, which caps SMP for higher earners for the rest of the 39 weeks.

To qualify for SMP you need average weekly earnings of at least £129, and continuous employment with your employer of at least 26 weeks continuing into the qualifying week: the 15th week before your expected week of childbirth. If you do not meet both conditions you are not entitled to SMP, though you may be able to claim Maternity Allowance instead.

Statutory Maternity Pay is paid by your employer through payroll if you meet the earnings and continuous-employment conditions. Maternity Allowance is a separate benefit, paid by the government rather than an employer, for people who do not qualify for SMP, for example if you are self-employed or have not built up enough continuous employment with one employer. Eligibility and the amount payable differ from SMP; check GOV.UK for current Maternity Allowance rates and rules.

SMP is payable for up to 39 weeks: 6 weeks at 90% of your average weekly earnings, then up to 33 more weeks at the lower of £194.32 per week and 90% of your earnings. Maternity leave itself can run for up to 52 weeks, but SMP only covers the first 39.