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UK Maternity Pay and Leave Calculator

Calculates your Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) entitlement, including any enhanced pay, and your maternity leave dates based on your due date and earnings.

Your details

The date your baby is expected, as stated on your MATB1 certificate.

Your average gross weekly pay for the 8 weeks (if paid weekly) or 2 months (if paid monthly) before the 'qualifying week'. This is usually calculated by your employer.

The date you plan to start your maternity leave. This can be up to 11 weeks before your due date, but no earlier. It is often the day after your last working day.

Select the type of enhanced pay scheme, if any. This is paid on top of or instead of SMP, as per your employment contract.

If you selected 'Full pay for a period', enter your full gross weekly salary. If 'Top-up to full salary', enter the weekly top-up amount needed. If 'Lump sum', enter the total lump sum amount. Ignore if 'No enhanced pay'.

Only relevant for 'Full pay for a period' or 'Top-up to full salary'. Enter the number of weeks your enhanced pay scheme lasts.

Result

Total Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) £7,581.84

Your total SMP entitlement over 39 weeks, provided you qualify.

How it is calculated

Start of qualifying week The qualifying week is the 15th week before your due date. You must earn at least the Lower Earnings Limit on average in the 8 weeks before this week to qualify for SMP.
2 October 2026
Qualifies for SMP? You qualify for SMP if your average weekly earnings are at least the Lower Earnings Limit (£123.00 for 2026/27).
Yes
90% of your average weekly earnings Your SMP for the first 6 weeks is 90% of your average weekly earnings, before tax and National Insurance.
£315.00
SMP for first 6 weeks (90% of earnings) Total amount for the first 6 weeks of your SMP period.
£1,890.00
SMP weekly rate for remaining 33 weeks For the remaining 33 weeks, you receive the standard weekly rate (£172.48 for 2026/27), or 90% of your earnings if that is lower.
£172.48
SMP for remaining 33 weeks (standard rate) Total amount for the remaining 33 weeks of your SMP period.
£5,691.84
Enhanced maternity pay Calculated enhanced pay based on your selection. This is an estimate; check your contract for exact terms.
£0.00
Estimated total maternity pay (SMP + enhanced) Sum of your SMP and any enhanced pay. This is the total gross pay you can expect from your employer during maternity leave.
£7,581.84
Is your intended start date valid? Maternity leave can start no earlier than 11 weeks before your due date and no later than the day after the birth.
Yes
Expected return to work date Your maternity leave ends 52 weeks after it starts. You can return earlier by giving 8 weeks' notice to your employer.
30 November 2027
Deadline to notify your employer You must tell your employer you're taking maternity leave at least 15 weeks before your due date.
2 October 2026
Keep in mind
  • This calculator provides an estimate. Your actual SMP and enhanced pay depend on your specific employment contract and your employer's payroll calculations.
  • You must give your employer notice of your leave and provide a MATB1 certificate to receive SMP.
  • SMP rates change every April. The calculator uses the rates for the 2026/27 tax year.
  • If you do not qualify for SMP, you may be eligible for Maternity Allowance from the Jobcentre Plus.

Indicative result, calculated from the details and the rules listed below. It does not replace an official calculation or advice from a professional.

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Letter Notifying an Employer of Intended Maternity Leave

UK Maternity Pay and Leave Calculator

If you're pregnant and employed in the UK, you are likely entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) and maternity leave. This calculator helps you estimate how much SMP you will receive, when your leave can start and end, and how any enhanced maternity pay from your employer affects your total income.

What is Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)?

SMP is a legal minimum payment your employer must make to you during maternity leave, provided you meet certain conditions. It is paid for up to 39 weeks. The amount is not your full salary, but a percentage of your earnings for the first part, followed by a fixed weekly rate.

How is SMP calculated?

To qualify for SMP, you must:

  • Have been employed by the same employer continuously for at least 26 weeks up to the 'qualifying week' (the 15th week before your due date).
  • Earn on average at least the Lower Earnings Limit for National Insurance (£123.00 per week for the 2026/27 tax year) in the 8 weeks (or 2 months) before the qualifying week.

If you qualify, SMP is paid as follows:

  1. First 6 weeks: You receive 90% of your average weekly earnings.
  2. Remaining 33 weeks: You receive the standard weekly rate (£172.48 for 2026/27), or 90% of your average weekly earnings if that figure is lower than the standard rate.

Example SMP Calculation

Sarah's baby is due on 15 January 2027. Her average weekly earnings are £350. She qualifies for SMP.

  • Weeks 1-6: 90% of £350 = £315 per week. Total: £1,890.
  • Weeks 7-39: Standard rate of £172.48 per week. Total: £5,691.84.
  • Total SMP: £1,890 + £5,691.84 = £7,581.84 over 39 weeks.

Enhanced Maternity Pay

Many employers offer enhanced (or contractual) maternity pay, which is more generous than SMP. This could be:

  • Full pay for a certain period (e.g., 3 months).
  • A top-up payment to bring your SMP up to your full salary.
  • A one-off lump sum or bonus.

Enhanced pay is subject to the terms of your employment contract. The calculator allows you to include common types of enhanced pay to see your total estimated income.

Maternity Leave Dates

You are entitled to up to 52 weeks of maternity leave (Ordinary Maternity Leave plus Additional Maternity Leave).

  • Start date: You can choose to start your leave from up to 11 weeks before your due date. It cannot start earlier.
  • Notification: You must tell your employer at least 15 weeks before your due date.
  • End date: Your leave ends 52 weeks after it started, unless you agree with your employer to return earlier.

What to Do Next

Once you have your dates and estimated pay, you should formally notify your employer in writing. Use a Letter Notifying an Employer of Intended Maternity Leave to provide all required details, including your due date and intended start date. You will also need to provide a MATB1 certificate from your midwife or doctor.

If you do not qualify for SMP because your earnings are too low, you should apply for Maternity Allowance from Jobcentre Plus.

Frequently asked questions

When should I tell my employer I'm taking maternity leave?

You must notify your employer at least 15 weeks before the week your baby is due. It's best to do this in writing and to provide your MATB1 certificate as soon as you have it.

Can I start my maternity leave after my baby is born?

Yes. Your leave must start no later than the day after your baby is born. If your baby is born early, your leave will start automatically the day after the birth.

What if my average weekly earnings are below £123?

If your average weekly earnings are below the Lower Earnings Limit (£123 for 2026/27), you will not qualify for SMP from your employer. You should claim Maternity Allowance from Jobcentre Plus instead.

Is SMP taxed?

Yes. Statutory Maternity Pay is treated as earnings, so Income Tax and National Insurance contributions will be deducted, just like your normal salary.

Can I work during my maternity leave?

Yes, you can do up to 10 'Keeping in Touch' (KIT) days during your maternity leave without bringing it to an end. You should agree these days with your employer, and you must be paid for them.

What happens if I decide not to return to work after maternity leave?

You must give your employer the correct notice as per your contract if you decide not to return. You are entitled to receive all SMP and enhanced pay up to the point you leave.

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