Maternity Pay Calculator UK 2025/26
Our maternity pay calculator estimates your statutory maternity pay (SMP) for the 2025/26 tax year, showing you a week-by-week breakdown and the monthly income drop you can expect. If you are pregnant or planning a family, knowing your SMP figures in advance is essential for budgeting. SMP is paid for 39 weeks: the first six weeks at 90% of your average weekly earnings, and weeks seven to thirty-nine at the lower of £184.03 or 90% of your average pay. Enter your annual salary to see your total SMP entitlement, the weekly amounts for each phase, and how much less you will receive compared to your normal monthly pay. This helps you plan savings and any adjustments to household spending during maternity leave.
Understanding Statutory Maternity Pay in the UK
Statutory maternity pay is paid by your employer for up to 39 weeks of your maternity leave. To qualify, you must have been employed continuously for at least 26 weeks by the 15th week before your due date and earn at least £123 per week on average. The first six weeks are paid at 90% of your average weekly earnings with no cap, which means higher earners receive substantially more during this period. From week seven onwards, the rate drops to the lower of £184.03 or 90% of your average pay. The remaining 13 weeks of the full 52-week maternity leave entitlement are unpaid, which is why planning your finances early is so important.
Maternity Allowance and Enhanced Pay
If you do not qualify for SMP, you may be eligible for Maternity Allowance (MA), which is paid at £184.03 per week or 90% of your average earnings for up to 39 weeks. MA is claimed through Jobcentre Plus rather than your employer. Many employers also offer enhanced maternity pay on top of the statutory minimum, so check your contract or staff handbook. You can find full eligibility details and how to claim on the GOV.UK maternity pay and leave page.
Budgeting During Maternity Leave
The biggest financial challenge of maternity leave is the income drop from week seven onwards. If your normal monthly salary is £2,500, your SMP from week seven could be as low as £797 per month. Start setting money aside as early as possible to build a buffer for the lower-pay weeks and the 13 unpaid weeks at the end. Check whether your pension contributions continue during maternity leave, as this varies by employer. Use our take home pay calculator to work out your normal net pay for comparison, and explore our holiday pay calculator to see if unused annual leave could supplement your income before or after your leave period.
Up to 52 weeks. First 26 weeks are Ordinary Maternity Leave, next 26 are Additional. Only 39 weeks are paid.
No, apart from the compulsory 2 weeks after birth (4 weeks for factory workers). Give 8 weeks notice to change your return date.
MA is for women who do not qualify for SMP. Paid at £184.03/week or 90% of earnings for up to 39 weeks. Claim from Jobcentre Plus.
Yes. Partners get 1-2 weeks paternity leave at £184.03/week. Through shared parental leave, the mother can share remaining weeks.
Yes, up to 10 keeping in touch days without affecting SMP. Payment for KIT days is agreed with your employer.
This calculator provides estimates for guidance only. Results use 2025/26 HMRC rates. This is not financial, legal or professional advice. For regulated financial advice, speak to a qualified financial adviser.