How much is Statutory Maternity Pay? (UK, 2026)

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is paid for up to 39 weeks:

• the first 6 weeks at 90% of average weekly earnings (no cap); then
• the next 33 weeks at the lower of £194.32 a week or 90% of average weekly earnings.

These core SMP rules apply across the UK, including Northern Ireland — which operates its own corresponding social-security legislation, so the entitlement and rates are the same but sit in a different statute. (Other areas of employment law can differ in Northern Ireland.)

Estimate a figure with our Statutory Maternity Pay Calculator — (results are estimates only and don't replace legal or payroll advice) — and the rest of this article explains the rules behind it.

How much you get

SMP has two phases:

• Weeks 1–6: 90% of average weekly earnings, no cap — so higher earners receive more here.
• Weeks 7–39: the lower of £194.32 or 90% of earnings. Most people get the flat rate; lower earners whose 90% figure is below it get the 90% figure.

Worked example: someone earning £400 a week gets £360 a week (90%) for the first 6 weeks, then £194.32 a week for the next 33 weeks (because £360 is more than the flat rate, so the flat rate is the lower figure). Our calculator works out both phases.

SMP vs maternity leave

It's worth being clear: SMP is a payment; maternity leave is a separate right. Statutory maternity leave can be up to 52 weeks, while SMP is paid for up to 39 weeks — so the final weeks of leave may be unpaid unless you have contractual maternity pay.

Who qualifies

The main eligibility conditions are:

• continuous employment with the same employer for at least 26 weeks up to and into the "qualifying week" — the 15th week before the week the baby is due (roughly when you're around 25 weeks pregnant); and
• average weekly earnings at or above the Lower Earnings Limit (£129 a week); and
• giving the correct notice and proof (below).

These are the main conditions, not an exhaustive list — other conditions and special circumstances can also apply (see below).

Notice and proof: you normally give your employer 28 days' notice of when you want your SMP to start, with proof of pregnancy — an MATB1 certificate or a doctor's or midwife's letter. Your employer confirms your leave dates in writing within 28 days.

If your job ends: if you've already met the conditions by the qualifying week, you generally keep your SMP even if you leave or lose your job afterwards — your employer must still pay it. Special rules apply, so check GOV.UK.

Special circumstances — such as premature birth, a stillbirth, having more than one employer, or working during your maternity pay period — can change how SMP works. Check GOV.UK for these.

What if you don't qualify for SMP?

If you're not entitled, your employer must give you form SMP1 (within 7 days of deciding you don't qualify). You may then be able to claim Maternity Allowance instead — in Great Britain through Jobcentre Plus (DWP), and in Northern Ireland through the Department for Communities / Jobs and Benefits service. Getting an SMP1 doesn't by itself mean you'll qualify for Maternity Allowance — check GOV.UK.

SMP vs company maternity pay

SMP is the legal minimum. Some employers offer enhanced (contractual) maternity pay that is more generous — for example full pay for a number of weeks. The terms of the employer's scheme determine how it interacts with SMP (a contractual scheme may include or offset the statutory amount), so check your contract or staff handbook.

What to do next

The usual path is: tell your employer (28 days' notice) → give proof (MATB1 or a doctor's/midwife's letter) → your employer confirms SMP in writing (or, if you don't qualify, issues form SMP1) → if not entitled, consider Maternity Allowance.

• Estimate your figure with the Statutory Maternity Pay Calculator.
• Managing the leave process? The Maternity Process Pack (designed for England & Wales) gives the notice letters and steps in order.