| By Chandraketu Tripathi | Updated April 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is the minimum amount UK employers must pay eligible employees during maternity leave. From 6 April 2026, the flat weekly rate increased to £194.32/week — equivalent to just over £842/month during the main SMP period. Understanding exactly what you're entitled to — and how to calculate it based on your salary — is essential for planning your finances during maternity leave. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Key Facts SMP weeks 1-6: 90% of average weekly earnings | SMP weeks 7-39: £194.32/week (or 90% AWE if lower) | Qualifying earnings: £129+/week average | Qualifying service: 26 weeks | Total paid leave: 39 weeks | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
SMP Calculator UK 2026: How Much Will You Get? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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SMP Eligibility: Do You Qualify? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Maternity Leave Timeline UK 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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If You Don't Qualify for SMP: Maternity Allowance | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| If you don't qualify for SMP — because you're self-employed, recently changed jobs, or don't meet the earnings threshold — you may be entitled to Maternity Allowance (MA) from the government. MA pays up to £184.03/week (2026-27) for 39 weeks. Apply via GOV.UK using form MA1. You qualify if you've been employed or self-employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your due date and paid Class 1 or Class 2 NIC. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Frequently Asked QuestionsHow much is maternity pay UK 2026? Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) in 2026-27 is paid as: first 6 weeks at 90% of your average weekly earnings (no cap), then weeks 7-39 at £194.32/week OR 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. The remaining 13 weeks (weeks 40-52) are unpaid. To qualify, you must have worked for your employer for at least 26 weeks and earn at least £129/week on average. How is SMP calculated UK? SMP is based on your Average Weekly Earnings (AWE) over the 8 weeks before the qualifying week (15 weeks before your due date). Add up all earnings in those 8 weeks and divide by 8. First 6 weeks SMP = 90% of your AWE. Weeks 7-39 SMP = lower of £194.32 or 90% of AWE. For most people earning over £215/week, weeks 7-39 will be paid at the flat rate of £194.32/week. Can I get maternity pay if I am self-employed? Self-employed people cannot claim Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) from an employer — SMP is only for employees. However, self-employed women may be entitled to Maternity Allowance (MA) from the government — up to £184.03/week (2026-27 rate) for up to 39 weeks — if they have paid enough Class 2 National Insurance contributions. Do I have to pay back maternity pay if I don't return to work? You never have to repay Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) — even if you don't return to work after maternity leave. However, if your employer offers Enhanced Maternity Pay above the SMP level, they may require you to repay the enhanced element (not the SMP) if you don't return and work for a specified period. This must be clearly stated in your employment contract. When do I tell my employer I'm pregnant UK? You must tell your employer you are pregnant at least 15 weeks before your baby's due date (this is the qualifying week). In practice, most people tell their employer earlier. You must also give at least 28 days' notice of when you want your maternity leave to start. Your employer cannot refuse maternity leave — it is a legal right. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Disclaimer: Always verify with GOV.UK, Ofgem, Acas, and HMRC. Sources: ofgem.gov.uk, uswitch.com, moneysupermarket.com, acas.org.uk, ciphr.com, payfit.com, employeehandbooktemplateuk.co.uk. April 2026. |
Maternity Pay UK 2026: SMP Rates, Calculator & What You're Entitled To
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