Statutory Maternity Pay Calculator UK 2026/27
Work out your SMP for the full 39-week statutory maternity pay period
How Statutory Maternity Pay works
- First 6 weeks: paid at 90% of your average weekly earnings (AWE), with no cap
- Remaining 33 weeks: paid at the lower of £194.32/week or 90% of AWE
- Total SMP period: 39 weeks out of the 52 weeks of statutory maternity leave you are entitled to — the final 13 weeks are unpaid unless your employer enhances it
- Eligibility: you must have worked for your employer continuously for at least 26 weeks by the qualifying week, and earn at least the Lower Earnings Limit
Worked example
Someone with average weekly earnings of £600:
| Weeks 1–6 (90% of £600) | £540.00/week × 6 = £3,240.00 |
| Weeks 7–39 (lower of £194.32 or 90% AWE) | £194.32/week × 33 = £6,412.56 |
| Total SMP over 39 weeks | £9,652.56 |
How the calculation works
- Calculate 90% of your average weekly earnings — this rate applies uncapped for the first 6 weeks
- For weeks 7 to 39, compare 90% of AWE to the flat rate of £194.32 — you receive whichever is lower
- For most earners above roughly £216/week, the flat rate applies for weeks 7–39 since 90% of their earnings exceeds £194.32
- Many employers offer enhanced maternity pay (e.g. full pay for a set number of weeks) on top of or instead of the statutory minimum — check your contract
Frequently asked questions
SMP is 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, then the lower of £194.32/week or 90% of AWE for the remaining 33 weeks, giving 39 weeks of paid leave in total.
You are entitled to up to 52 weeks of statutory maternity leave. SMP is paid for the first 39 weeks; the final 13 weeks are unpaid unless your employer offers enhanced maternity pay.
You must have worked continuously for your employer for at least 26 weeks by the end of the "qualifying week" (15 weeks before your due date) and earn at least the Lower Earnings Limit on average.
If you do not meet the eligibility criteria, you may be able to claim Maternity Allowance instead, which is paid by the government rather than your employer.
📄 Official sources
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Results are estimates based on 2026/27 HMRC and DWP rates and are intended as a guide only. They do not constitute financial, tax, or employment law advice. Always verify with HMRC, ACAS, or a qualified adviser for your specific circumstances.