Maternity leave and maternity pay have different rules. Almost every employee can take the leave. The pay depends on how long you have worked for your employer and how much you earn.
Quick facts
- Pay
- Up to 39 weeks
- First 6 weeks
- 90% of average weekly earnings
- Next 33 weeks
- £194.32 or 90%, if lower
- Leave
- Up to 52 weeks
- Earnings needed
- At least £129 a week on average
- Paid by
- Your employer
How much you get
Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is paid for up to 39 weeks. You get:
- 90% of your average weekly earnings (before tax) for the first 6 weeks
- £194.32 or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is lower) for the next 33 weeks
SMP is paid in the same way as your wages (for example monthly or weekly). Tax and National Insurance will be deducted.
Who qualifies for the pay
To qualify for SMP you must:
- earn on average at least £129 a week
- give the correct notice and proof you’re pregnant
- have worked for your employer continuously for at least 26 weeks continuing into the ‘qualifying week’ - the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth
If you're not eligible, your employer must give you form SMP1 explaining why you cannot get SMP within 7 days of making their decision. You may be eligible for Maternity Allowance instead.
Maternity leave
Statutory Maternity Leave is 52 weeks. It’s made up of:
- Ordinary Maternity Leave - first 26 weeks
- Additional Maternity Leave - last 26 weeks
You qualify for Statutory Maternity Leave if you’re an employee and give your employer the correct notice. It does not matter how long you’ve been with your employer, how many hours you work or how much you get paid.
Usually, the earliest you can start your leave is 11 weeks before the expected week of childbirth.
How to claim
At least 15 weeks before your due date, tell your employer when the baby is due and when you want to start your maternity leave. Your employer can ask for this in writing.
For the pay, you must give them at least 28 days’ notice (in writing if they ask for it) and proof that you’re pregnant. The proof is a letter from your doctor or midwife or your MATB1 certificate.
Other money to check
You could get a £500 Sure Start Maternity Grant (usually if it’s your first child). See the Sure Start Maternity Grant. Your partner may get Paternity Pay, and you can share some leave and pay as Shared Parental Leave.
Common questions
How much is Statutory Maternity Pay in 2026/27?
90% of your average weekly earnings for 6 weeks, then £194.32 a week or 90% of your earnings, whichever is lower, for 33 weeks.
How long do I need to have worked for my employer?
At least 26 weeks continuously, into the 15th week before the week your baby is due.
What if I cannot get SMP?
Your employer must give you form SMP1. You may be able to get Maternity Allowance instead.
Is maternity pay taxed?
Yes. Tax and National Insurance will be deducted.