How much is Statutory Maternity Pay UK?

For 2025/26, SMP is 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, then £184.03 per week (or 90% of earnings if lower) for the remaining 33 weeks. You can receive SMP for up to 39 weeks.

Do I get taxed on maternity pay?

Yes, Statutory Maternity Pay is taxable and subject to National Insurance. Tax and NI are deducted by your employer through PAYE, just like normal wages. Your tax code remains the same.

How long can I take maternity leave UK?

You can take up to 52 weeks maternity leave. The first 26 weeks is Ordinary Maternity Leave, and the second 26 weeks is Additional Maternity Leave. However, SMP is only paid for up to 39 weeks.

2025/26 Tax Year

UK Maternity Pay Calculator

Calculate your Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) and see how enhanced employer schemes affect your total pay during maternity leave.

Your Details

Calculate maternity pay for 2025/26

Average Weekly Pay (before tax)

Based on 8-week average before qualifying week

Weeks of Leave Planned

Employer Enhanced Pay

Check your employer's maternity policy

Your Maternity Pay

39 weeks leave • Eligible for SMP

£9,811

Total Maternity Pay

Weeks 1-6 (90%)£605.70/wk

Weeks 7-39 (flat rate)£187.18/wk

Total for 39 weeks£9,811

vs Normal Pay

39 weeks at full salary

37%

You'll receive £16,436 less than your normal pay over this period.

Monthly Average

£1,089.29

Weekly Average

£251.57

Statutory Maternity Pay Rates 2025/26

How your maternity pay is calculated week by week

Weeks 1-6

90%

of average weekly earnings

Weeks 7-39

£184.03

or 90% if lower

Weeks 40-52

Unpaid

Additional Maternity Leave

Eligibility for SMP

To qualify for SMP you must: have worked for your employer for at least 26 weeks by the 15th week before your due date, earn at least £123 per week on average, give the correct notice, and provide proof of pregnancy.

Maternity Allowance

If you don't qualify for SMP (perhaps you're self-employed or recently changed jobs), you may be eligible for Maternity Allowance. This is £184.03 per week (or 90% of earnings if lower) for up to 39 weeks.

Shared Parental Leave

You can convert up to 50 weeks of maternity leave and 37 weeks of pay into Shared Parental Leave (SPL) to share with your partner. This gives more flexibility in how you take time off work.

Paternity Pay

Partners can receive Statutory Paternity Pay of £184.03 per week (or 90% of earnings if lower) for up to 2 weeks. Many employers offer enhanced paternity pay on top of this.

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