Total Statutory Pay
£0.00
Over 39 weeks
SMP Breakdown
Weeks at 90%
6
Amount at 90%
£0.00
Weeks at Flat Rate
33
Amount at Flat Rate
£0.00
Total Statutory
£0.00
With Enhanced Pay
£0.00
Enter enhanced details above
SMP is paid by your employer but they reclaim 92% (or 103% for small employers with annual NI liability under £45,000) from HMRC · so it costs your employer very little or nothing.
Your Weekly Pay Rates
Your 90% Rate
£0.00/week
Flat Rate Applied
£184.03/week
Statutory minimum £184.03/wk
Weekly Earnings
£0.00/week
Enhanced Full Pay
·/week
Monthly Income During Leave
Approximate monthly amounts (based on 4.33 weeks per month)
Maternity & Paternity Leave Rules 2026/27
| Leave Type | Duration | Rate | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maternity (SMP) | Up to 52 weeks (39 paid) | 90% for 6 wks, then £184.03/wk for 33 wks | Employed 26+ weeks by 15th week before due date; earn ≥£123/wk |
| Paternity (SPP) | 1 or 2 weeks | £184.03/wk or 90% if lower | Employed continuously for 26 weeks; earn ≥£123/wk |
| Shared Parental (ShPP) | Up to 50 weeks (37 paid) | £184.03/wk or 90% if lower | Both parents must meet eligibility; must give 8 weeks notice |
| Adoption (SAP) | Up to 52 weeks (39 paid) | Same as SMP | Must be matched with a child for adoption; employed 26+ weeks |
Lower Earnings Limit (2026/27): You must earn at least £123/week (averaged over 8 weeks) to qualify for SMP, SPP or SAP.
Keeping in touch (KIT) days: You can work up to 10 days during maternity leave without losing SMP. Shared parental leave allows up to 20 SPLIT days.
Maternity & Paternity Pay FAQs
How much statutory maternity pay will I get in the UK in 2026?
SMP is paid for 39 weeks. Weeks 1–6 are paid at 90% of your average weekly earnings with no upper cap. Weeks 7–39 are paid at £184.03/week (or 90% of AWE if that is lower). To qualify you must earn at least £123/week and have worked for your employer for 26 weeks by the 15th week before your due date.
When does maternity pay start?
SMP can start up to 11 weeks before your expected week of childbirth. It starts automatically if you are off work for a pregnancy-related illness in the 4 weeks before your due date. You must give your employer at least 28 days' notice of the date you want SMP to begin, along with a MATB1 certificate from your midwife or GP.
How long can you take maternity leave in the UK?
You are entitled to up to 52 weeks of maternity leave · 26 weeks of Ordinary Maternity Leave followed by 26 weeks of Additional Maternity Leave. Only 39 of those weeks attract Statutory Maternity Pay; the remaining 13 weeks are unpaid unless your employer offers enhanced terms. You must take at least 2 weeks after the birth (4 weeks if you work in a factory).
How does Shared Parental Leave work in the UK in 2026?
Shared Parental Leave (SPL) lets eligible parents share up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of Statutory Shared Parental Pay (ShPP at £184.03/week) between them. The mother must curtail her maternity leave to unlock it. Both parents must be employed, earn at least £123/week, and give 8 weeks' notice to their respective employers before each block of leave.
For informational purposes only · Not financial advice · Rates shown are for 2026/27 · SMP flat rate subject to annual review