When you’re expecting a baby, understanding how your maternity pay works is a vital part of planning your time off. This guide explains the current rates for Statutory Maternity Pay, how it is calculated, and what you need to know to plan your maternity budget.
What is Statutory Maternity Pay?
Statutory Maternity Pay, often shortened to SMP, is the legal minimum maternity pay that eligible employees can receive from their employer. It is paid through payroll in the same way as your normal wages, meaning Tax and National Insurance can be deducted.
It is important to note that Statutory Maternity Leave and Statutory Maternity Pay are different. While Statutory Maternity Leave can last up to 52 weeks, Statutory Maternity Pay only lasts for up to 39 weeks. If you take the full year off, the final 13 weeks are unpaid unless your employer offers additional occupational pay, though additional pay for this period is very uncommon.
How much is statutory maternity pay?
If you qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay, the payment structure is divided into two parts:
- First 6 weeks: 90% of your average weekly earnings before tax
- Next 33 weeks: £194.32 per week, or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower
- Final 13 weeks: Usually unpaid, unless your employer offers extended enhanced pay
How much maternity pay will I get in total?
The total amount you receive depends on your average weekly earnings. If your earnings are high enough to receive the full standard SMP rate, your pay would consist of 6 weeks at 90% of your earnings, followed by 33 weeks at the standard rate of £194.32.
The 33-week standard rate period adds up to £6,412.56 before tax and National Insurance. Your total will be higher if your employer offers enhanced maternity pay, which is extra pay provided by a company's own maternity policy, such as a period of full pay or a top-up.
How is statutory maternity pay calculated?
SMP is based on your average weekly earnings before tax. Your employer calculates this using a specific period before your baby is due. This calculation determines if you meet the minimum earnings requirement and sets the amount for your first 6 weeks of leave. This is particularly important if your pay is variable or if salary sacrifice affects your taxable earnings.
Who qualifies for statutory maternity pay?
To be eligible for SMP, you generally need to meet several criteria:
- Have worked for your employer continuously for at least 26 weeks by the qualifying week
- Earn at least the minimum average weekly amount
- Provide proof of pregnancy, usually via a MAT B1 form
- Give your employer the correct notice
The qualifying week is the 15th week before the week your baby is due. If you do not qualify for SMP, you may still be able to claim Maternity Allowance instead.
When does statutory maternity pay start?
SMP usually starts when your maternity leave begins. The earliest you can normally start maternity leave is 11 weeks before the week your baby is due. Choosing your start date is a key part of planning, as it affects when your paid weeks are used and when any unpaid period begins. Leave can also start automatically if the baby is born early or if you are off for a pregnancy-related illness close to the due date.
What happens when statutory maternity pay ends?
Since SMP lasts for 39 weeks, those taking the full 52 weeks of maternity leave will face a 13-week unpaid period at the end. This point often creates the biggest budgeting challenge for families.
Before deciding on your leave length, it helps to map out when your pay reduces, when SMP stops, and how your household income will look if you or your partner take shared parental leave or paternity leave.
Is enhanced maternity pay different from statutory maternity pay?
Yes. While SMP is the legal minimum, many employers offer enhanced pay, also known as occupational or contractual pay. This might include full pay for a set period, half pay, or a top-up above the statutory rate. It is important to check your employer's policy for rules regarding length of service or potential repayment if you do not return to work.
How should I plan around statutory maternity pay?
Because maternity leave and pay do not run for the same length of time, a useful planning approach involves comparing different scenarios:
- Starting leave earlier or later
- Comparing 6, 9, or 12 months off
- Using annual leave to extend paid time
- Checking how monthly income changes over the year
- Sharing leave with a partner through Shared Parental Leave
Plan your maternity leave and pay
Understanding the weekly SMP rate is only part of the picture. Your actual plan depends on your start date, employer policy, and how you want to balance your time off. Your Family Leave Plan helps you compare options and see how your income could change over time.
Put it into practice
Plan your leave with confidence.
Use our free planner to map out your leave and pay week by week — based on your real circumstances, your employer's policy, and current UK rules.
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