Your employer pays all four, through payroll, and takes tax and National Insurance off as usual. If you cannot get them, see Maternity Allowance in NI.
Quick facts
- Rate after six weeks
- £194.32 a week, or 90% if lower
- First six weeks (maternity, adoption)
- 90% of average pay, no upper limit
- Maternity and adoption pay
- Up to 39 weeks
- Paternity pay
- One or two weeks
- Earnings needed
- At least £129 a week on average
- Service needed
- 26 weeks with your employer
Statutory Maternity Pay
You qualify if you have worked for the same employer continuously for at least 26 weeks into the 15th week before the week your baby is due, and earn on average at least £129 a week.
It is paid for up to 39 weeks: the first six at 90 per cent of your average gross weekly earnings with no upper limit, then 33 weeks at £194.32 or 90 per cent, whichever is lower. Give your employer at least 28 days' notice, with medical evidence of your due date, usually form MATB1 from your doctor or midwife.
Statutory Paternity Pay
For the father, partner or adopter. It is paid for one or two weeks in a row at £194.32 or 90 per cent of your average weekly earnings if that is less, and must be taken within 56 days of the birth or placement.
You need 26 weeks with the same employer by the 15th week before the due date, and average earnings of at least £129 a week. Tell your employer by the 15th week before the baby is due.
Statutory Adoption Pay
It is paid for 39 weeks: 90 per cent of your average weekly earnings for six weeks, then 33 weeks at £194.32 or 90 per cent if less. You need 26 weeks with your employer by the week you were matched with a child, and to earn at least £129 a week on average. It also covers parents through surrogacy with a Parental Order.
Shared Parental Pay
If the mother or adopter ends maternity or adoption leave early, the leave and pay left over can be shared with a partner as Shared Parental Leave and Pay. It must be taken before the child's first birthday, or within a year of adoption.
Shared Parental Pay is £194.32 a week or 90 per cent of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. Your partner must have worked at least 26 of the 66 weeks before the due date and earned at least £30 a week on average in 13 of them.
If your employer says no
Your employer must tell you why in writing, on form SMP1 or SPP1. If you think the decision is wrong, contact HMRC. If you cannot get Statutory Maternity Pay, you may get Maternity Allowance instead.
Common questions
How much is Statutory Maternity Pay in Northern Ireland in 2026/27?
90% of your average weekly pay for six weeks, then £194.32 a week or 90% if lower, for 33 more weeks.
How long do I need to work for my employer to get maternity pay?
At least 26 weeks into the 15th week before the week your baby is due.
How much is Statutory Paternity Pay in Northern Ireland?
£194.32 a week, or 90% of your average weekly earnings if less, for one or two weeks.
Can my partner and I share maternity pay?
Yes, through Shared Parental Pay, if you end maternity leave early and you both meet the work and earnings tests.