Tidy Life ToolsMaternity pay calculator (UK, 2026/27)
Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) 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% if that's lower) for 33 weeks. Weeks 40 to 52 are usually unpaid unless your employer pays more.
Figures checked against GOV.UK on 4 October 2026.
Statutory Maternity Pay in 2026/27 is 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, then £194.32 a week (or 90% if that's lower) for the next 33 weeks. That's 39 paid weeks in total. 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. Tax and NI are deducted.
Last checked: 4 October 2026 (GOV.UK).
How SMP works in 2026/27
| Weeks | Statutory Maternity Pay |
|---|---|
| 1 to 6 | 90% of your average weekly earnings |
| 7 to 39 | £194.32 a week, or 90% if that's lower |
| 40 to 52 | Nothing (unpaid), unless your employer pays more |
- Who qualifies: you must earn on average at least £129 a week, give the right notice and proof you're pregnant (usually form MATB1), and have worked for your employer continuously for at least 26 weeks into the qualifying week.
- Tax: SMP is paid like your wages, and tax and National Insurance are deducted. The figures above are before tax.
- Average weekly earnings are worked out from your pay in the 8 weeks (or 2 months) up to the qualifying week, so a pay rise or bonus in that period can increase your first 6 weeks.
- Not eligible for SMP? Your employer must give you form SMP1. You may get Maternity Allowance instead: up to £194.32 a week for 39 weeks if you're employed or recently stopped working (£27 to £194.32 if you're self-employed, depending on your Class 2 contributions).
- Partners: Statutory Paternity Pay and Shared Parental Pay are also £194.32 a week, or 90% if lower.
Source: GOV.UK maternity pay and leave and eligibility (checked 4 October 2026). This is an estimate, not advice. Your employer's payroll works out the exact figure.
Next: plan the costs with the new baby costs calculator, then childcare with the Tax-Free Childcare calculator.
See how long you can afford to be off, and what to save before your leave starts.
SMP worked out week by week (including employer full or half pay) and turned into monthly take-home pay, a budget for while you're on leave, the month your savings would run out, a baby kit list, a return-to-work and nursery cost comparison, and key dates from your due date.
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How much is maternity pay in 2026/27?
Statutory Maternity Pay is 90% of your average weekly earnings for 6 weeks, then £194.32 a week or 90% of your earnings (whichever is lower) for 33 weeks. That's 39 paid weeks. The rest of the 52 weeks of leave are unpaid unless your employer pays more.
Is maternity pay taxed?
Yes. SMP is paid through payroll like your wages, so income tax and National Insurance are deducted.
What if I earn less than £129 a week?
You can't get SMP, but you may be able to get Maternity Allowance from the government. Your employer must give you form SMP1 explaining why you can't get SMP.
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Paternity & shared parental pay · New baby costs · New baby on a budget · Tax-Free Childcare · Child Benefit charge (HICBC) · Take-home pay · Neonatal care & bereavement pay · School holiday childcare costs