Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) Calculator
Estimated Statutory Maternity Pay
£8,876.94
6 weeks at £450.00/week (90% of earnings), then 33 weeks at £187.18/week (2026/27 standard rate).
How this is calculated
SMP runs for up to 39 weeks. The first 6 weeks are paid at 90% of average weekly earnings. The remaining 33 weeks are paid at the lower of £187.18 or 90% of earnings.
The employee must have 26 weeks' service by the qualifying week and earn at least the Lower Earnings Limit.
In-depth guidance
Statutory Maternity Pay from notification to return
SMP runs for up to 39 weeks: six weeks at 90% of average weekly earnings, then 33 weeks at the standard rate or 90% of average weekly earnings if that is lower. Maternity leave itself lasts up to 52 weeks regardless of pay.
Qualifying conditions
- 26 weeks' continuous service by the end of the qualifying week, which is the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth.
- Average weekly earnings at or above the lower earnings limit over the eight weeks ending with the qualifying week.
- Notice of the pregnancy and intended start date at least 28 days before SMP is to begin.
- Medical evidence, normally the MATB1 certificate issued from 20 weeks before the expected week of childbirth.
An employee who does not qualify for SMP may still qualify for Maternity Allowance. Issue form SMP1 within seven days of deciding so they can claim without delay.
Leave, pay and the key dates
| Period | What applies |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1 to 6 | 90% of average weekly earnings with no cap |
| Weeks 7 to 39 | The lower of the standard SMP rate and 90% of average weekly earnings |
| Weeks 40 to 52 | Additional maternity leave, unpaid unless the contract provides more |
| First two weeks after birth | Compulsory maternity leave, four weeks in factory work, during which the employee must not work |
Rights during and after leave
- All contractual terms except pay continue, so holiday continues to accrue and pension contributions continue on notional pay during paid leave.
- Up to ten keeping in touch days may be worked by agreement without ending leave. Neither side can insist on them.
- The employee returns to the same job after ordinary maternity leave, or to a suitable and appropriate alternative after additional maternity leave where returning to the same job is not reasonably practicable.
- Redundancy protection now extends from the point the employer is told of the pregnancy until 18 months after the birth, giving priority for suitable alternative vacancies.
- Eight weeks' notice is required if the employee wants to change their return date.
Enhanced maternity pay
If you enhance maternity pay, set out clearly whether repayment is required if the employee does not return, and apply the policy consistently. Compare it against your shared parental leave policy to reduce the risk of a sex discrimination argument.
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