Maternity & Paternity Pay Calculator
See how much Statutory Maternity or Paternity Pay you will get each week, when each stage starts, and what enhanced employer pay adds.
Your leave
Statutory pay is taxed through PAYE like normal pay. At the £194.32 weekly rate you usually pay no National Insurance. Rates shown are for 2026/27: weeks paid from 5 April 2027 onwards will use the new rate when it is announced, usually slightly higher.
How Statutory Maternity Pay works
| Weeks | You get (2026/27) |
|---|---|
| 1 to 6 | 90% of your average weekly earnings, with no cap |
| 7 to 39 | £194.32 or 90% of your earnings, whichever is lower |
| 40 to 52 | Unpaid (unless your employer pays more) |
Worked example: £30,000 salary
Average weekly earnings are £30,000 ÷ 52 = £576.92. For the first 6 weeks you get 90%, £519.23 a week (£3,115.38 in total). For the next 33 weeks you get £194.32 a week (£6,412.56). Total SMP over 39 weeks is £9,527.94 before tax.
Not eligible for SMP?
If you are self-employed, recently changed jobs or earn less than £129 a week, you may be able to claim Maternity Allowance from the DWP instead. It can be paid for up to 39 weeks.
Planning your budget while on leave? Check your normal pay with the take-home pay calculator.
The flat weekly rate goes up each April, so any weeks of leave after 5 April 2027 will be paid at the 2027/28 rate, which is not yet confirmed. This calculator gives an estimate for guidance. Your employer works out your exact SMP from your payslips in the relevant period.
Sources
Figures are checked against these official sources. Last reviewed 7 November 2026.
Common questions
How much is Statutory Maternity Pay in 2026/27?
SMP is 90% of your average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, then £194.32 a week or 90% of your earnings (whichever is lower) for the next 33 weeks. The final 13 weeks of a 52-week leave are unpaid.
Who qualifies for Statutory Maternity Pay?
You need to have worked for your employer continuously for at least 26 weeks up to the 15th week before your due date, and earn on average at least £129 a week. If you do not qualify, you may get Maternity Allowance from the DWP.
How much is Statutory Paternity Pay?
Paternity Pay is £194.32 a week, or 90% of your average weekly earnings if lower, for up to 2 weeks. From April 2026 paternity leave is a day-one right, but you still need 26 weeks of service to get paternity pay.
Is maternity pay taxed?
Yes. SMP and SPP are paid through payroll and taxed like normal pay. At the £194.32 weekly rate you usually pay little or no National Insurance.
What is enhanced maternity pay?
Some employers pay more than the legal minimum, for example 6 weeks on full pay and 12 weeks on half pay. Your contract or staff handbook will say. You always get at least SMP if you qualify.
When are my average weekly earnings worked out?
They are based on your pay in the 8 weeks (or 2 monthly pay days) up to the end of your qualifying week, the 15th week before your baby is due. A pay rise in that period can increase your SMP.