How long is Statutory Maternity Pay?

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is paid for up to 39 weeks. The first 6 weeks are paid at 90% of your average weekly earnings. The remaining 33 weeks are paid at the lower of 90% of average earnings or £187.18 per week (2025/26 rate).

When should I tell my employer I am pregnant?

You must tell your employer at least 15 weeks before your expected week of childbirth. This is usually around week 25 of pregnancy. You should provide a MATB1 certificate from your midwife or GP as proof of your due date.

Statutory Maternity Pay Calculator 2025-26

Calculate SMP entitlement: 6 weeks at 90% of average earnings, then up to 33 weeks at the statutory rate.

Last updated: April 2026 · Source: GOV.UK — Statutory Maternity Pay and Leave

Average Weekly Earnings (gross)

Based on your average earnings over the 8 weeks before the qualifying week

Disclaimer

This calculator is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or tax advice. All calculations are performed locally in your browser — no personal data is collected or sent to our servers. Rates and thresholds are sourced from HMRC and GOV.UK and are updated for the current tax year. Always verify results with HMRC or consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.

How It Works

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is paid for up to 39 weeks. The first 6 weeks are paid at 90% of your average weekly earnings (AWE) with no cap. The remaining 33 weeks are paid at the lower of £187.18 per week or 90% of your AWE. The final 13 weeks of the 52-week maternity leave entitlement are unpaid.

To qualify for SMP you must have worked for your employer continuously for at least 26 weeks by the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth, and your average earnings must be at least £125 per week (the Lower Earnings Limit). You must also give at least 28 days' notice and provide proof of pregnancy (MATB1 certificate).

SMP is treated as earnings, so income tax, National Insurance and pension contributions may still be deducted. Employers can reclaim 92% of SMP from HMRC, or 103% if they qualify for Small Employers' Relief. This calculator shows your weekly and monthly SMP for the full 39-week period.

Example: Average weekly earnings of £600

Weeks 1-6 (90% of AWE): £600 × 90% = £540/week = £3,240 total
Weeks 7-39 (lower of £187.18 or 90%): £187.18/week = £6,176.94 total
Total SMP over 39 weeks: £9,416.94
Weeks 40-52: unpaid leave (13 weeks)
Monthly average (first 6 weeks): approx. £2,340 gross

Source: GOV.UK — Statutory Maternity Pay and Leave

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Statutory Maternity Pay?: Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is paid for up to 39 weeks. The first 6 weeks are paid at 90% of your average weekly earnings. The remaining 33 weeks are paid at the lower of 90% of average earnings or £187.18 per week (2025/26 rate).
When should I tell my employer I am pregnant?: You must tell your employer at least 15 weeks before your expected week of childbirth. This is usually around week 25 of pregnancy. You should provide a MATB1 certificate from your midwife or GP as proof of your due date.