Maternity Pay Qualifying Week Calculator

What is the qualifying week for maternity pay?

The qualifying week is the 15th week before the week your baby is due — counted as a Sunday-to-Saturday week. It’s the point at which several Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) checks are made, including how long you’ve worked for your employer.

How do you calculate the qualifying week?

First find your expected week of childbirth: the Sunday-to-Saturday week that contains your due date. Then count back 15 weeks. The Sunday-to-Saturday week you land on is your qualifying week. This calculator does that for you from your due date.

Is the qualifying week the same as maternity leave?

No. The qualifying week is not the same as your maternity leave start date. It mainly matters for Statutory Maternity Pay, not for when you start your maternity leave. You can usually start maternity leave any time from 11 weeks before your due date.

Why does the qualifying week matter for SMP?

To get SMP you usually need to have been continuously employed by your employer for at least 26 weeks up to the qualifying week, and be on the payroll during it. Your average earnings are also checked around this time. So the qualifying week is a key reference point for working out SMP.

What if I changed jobs during pregnancy?

If you started with a new employer too close to the qualifying week, you may not meet the 26-week continuous employment timing rule for SMP with that employer. If that applies, you may still be able to claim Maternity Allowance instead, depending on your work history.

What if I do not qualify for SMP?

If you don’t qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay, you may be able to get Maternity Allowance through the government instead. The rules are different, so it’s worth checking your options carefully.