Maternity Pay Calculator
Enter your salary to see your Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) for the 39 paid weeks, your total maternity pay, and how much less you get compared with working. Add any enhanced pay your employer offers.
Your numbers
0 if your employer only pays SMP
Check GOV.UK for the current tax year
Result
Total maternity pay (39 weeks, before tax)
£9,736
| Weeks 1–6, per week (90% of earnings) | £554 |
|---|---|
| Weeks 7–39, per week | £194 |
| Normal pay for the same 39 weeks | £24,000 |
| Income drop compared with working | £14,264 |
SMP is taxed like normal pay. Weeks 40–52 of leave are unpaid.
To qualify you need to have worked for your employer for 26 weeks by the 15th week before your due date.
Is going back to work worth it? Run the full comparisonHow SMP is worked out
For the first 6 weeks you get 90% of your average weekly earnings before tax. For the next 33 weeks you get the flat weekly rate or 90% of earnings, whichever is lower. Weeks 40 to 52 are unpaid.
Planning the drop in income
Most families see household income fall sharply from week 7. Use the total here with the main calculator to plan when going back to work, and childcare costs, start.
Enhanced maternity pay
Many employers top up SMP. Enter weeks of full pay to see the effect. Check whether you must return for a set time or repay it.
Frequently asked questions
How much is maternity pay in the UK?
Statutory Maternity Pay is 90% of your average weekly earnings for 6 weeks, then the flat weekly rate (or 90% of earnings if lower) for 33 weeks. The flat rate changes each April; check GOV.UK for the current figure.
How long is maternity pay paid for?
SMP is paid for up to 39 weeks. Maternity leave can last 52 weeks, so the last 13 weeks are unpaid unless your employer offers more.
Is maternity pay taxed?
Yes. SMP is paid through payroll and income tax and National Insurance are deducted in the usual way.
What if I don't qualify for SMP?
You may get Maternity Allowance instead, claimed from Jobcentre Plus, if you have been employed or self-employed for at least 26 of the 66 weeks before your due date.
Next steps
Sources
Results are estimates for planning. Rates change each tax year, so check the official source before you rely on them.