Maternity Pay Calculator 2026/27
Estimate your Statutory Maternity Pay week by week from your average earnings, using the 2026/27 weekly rate of £194.32.
2026/27 rates · verified 11 October 2026
Usually your average over the 8 weeks up to the 15th week before your due date.
SMP rates 2026/27
| Weeks | Weekly pay |
|---|---|
| 1 to 6 | 90% of average weekly earnings |
| 7 to 39 | £194.32 or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower |
| 40 to 52 | Unpaid (unless your employer pays more) |
Paternity and shared parental pay
Statutory Paternity Pay is £194.32 a week or 90% of average weekly earnings if lower, for up to 2 weeks. Statutory Shared Parental Pay is paid at the same rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Statutory Maternity Pay in 2026?
90% of your average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, then £194.32 a week or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is lower) for the next 33 weeks.
How long is maternity pay paid for?
Statutory Maternity Pay is paid for up to 39 weeks. Maternity leave can last up to 52 weeks, but the last 13 are unpaid unless your employer offers more.
Is maternity pay taxed?
Yes. SMP is paid through payroll like wages, with Income Tax and National Insurance deducted.
Who qualifies for Statutory Maternity Pay?
Employees who have worked for the same employer for at least 26 weeks into the 15th week before the baby is due and earn at least the lower earnings limit on average (£129 a week in 2026/27). If you don't qualify, you may get Maternity Allowance.
Related calculators
All rates, thresholds and dates on this page come from official sources, including GOV.UK, HM Revenue and Customs, the Scottish Government, Revenue Scotland and the Welsh Government. Last verified 11 October 2026.