Maternity Pay Calculator UK 2026/27
Calculate your exact Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) over 39 weeks. Phase 1 at 90% of your Average Weekly Earnings, then at the 2026 flat rate of £184.03/week.
Your Details
Enter your average weekly earnings to calculate SMP.
Minimum qualifying earnings: £123/week (2026/27)
To qualify for SMP you must:
Tip: "Average weekly earnings" is calculated over the 8 weeks before the Qualifying Week (15th week before your due date). Include all pay, overtime, and bonuses in that period.
Total SMP over 39 weeks
—
gross statutory maternity pay
Phase 1
Weeks 1–6 @ 90% AWE
—
per week
— total
Phase 2
Weeks 7–39 @ flat SMP
—
per week
— total
Calculation Breakdown
- Average gross weekly earnings—
- 90% AWE (Weeks 1–6)—
- Statutory flat rate 2026 (Weeks 7–39)—
- SMP rate applied (lower of above two)—
- Total SMP (39 weeks)—
What is Statutory Maternity Pay?
Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is a government-mandated payment made by an employer to an eligible employee who takes maternity leave. It is paid for up to 39 weeks and is structured in two distinct phases based on your Average Weekly Earnings (AWE).
Phase 1 — Weeks 1 to 6
90% of your Average Weekly Earnings (AWE), with no upper cap. Higher earners receive more during this phase.
Phase 2 — Weeks 7 to 39
The lower of £184.03/week (2026/27 rate) or 90% of AWE. For most workers, this is the flat statutory rate.
How Average Weekly Earnings (AWE) Works
HMRC defines AWE as your average gross earnings (before tax and NI) over the 8 weeks immediately before the Qualifying Week — which is the 15th week before your due date. All forms of pay count: basic salary, overtime, bonuses, commission, and contractual benefits paid through payroll.
AWE = Total Gross Pay in 8 Weeks ÷ 8
Phase 1 SMP = AWE × 90%
Phase 2 SMP = Lower of (£184.03) or (AWE × 90%)
What if I Don't Qualify for SMP?
If you do not meet the SMP qualifying conditions — for example you are self-employed, a new starter, or your earnings fall below £123/week — you may instead be eligible for Maternity Allowance (MA), paid directly by the DWP for up to 39 weeks at the same flat rate.
For related calculations, see our Annual Leave Calculator (leave continues to accrue during maternity leave) and our PAYE Calculator (SMP is subject to Income Tax and National Insurance above the Personal Allowance).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is statutory maternity pay (SMP) in the UK 2026?
SMP is paid for 39 weeks. The first 6 weeks are at 90% of your AWE. The remaining 33 weeks are at the standard rate of £184.03/week — or 90% AWE if that's lower.
How do I qualify for statutory maternity pay?
You must be an employee working for the same employer for at least 26 weeks up to and including the 15th week before your due date, earning at least £123/week on average.
What is Average Weekly Earnings (AWE) for SMP?
AWE is your average gross pay over the 8 weeks before the Qualifying Week (15th week before due date). This includes basic pay, overtime, bonuses and commission.
What if I do not qualify for SMP?
You may be eligible for Maternity Allowance (MA) from the government, also paid for 39 weeks at up to £184.03/week. Apply via your local Jobcentre Plus.