How much is Statutory Maternity Pay?

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is paid for up to 39 weeks: the first 6 weeks at 90% of your average weekly earnings (no cap), then 33 weeks at £187.18/week or 90% of earnings (whichever is less). The remaining 13 weeks of the 52-week leave entitlement are unpaid.

When should I tell my employer I'm pregnant?

You must tell your employer by the 15th week before your due date (around 25 weeks pregnant). However, many women tell their employer earlier. You cannot be treated unfairly or dismissed because of pregnancy — this is automatic unfair dismissal and pregnancy discrimination.

Can I get maternity pay if I'm self-employed?

Self-employed women cannot get Statutory Maternity Pay, but may qualify for Maternity Allowance (£187.18/week for 39 weeks) if they have been self-employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before the due date and earned at least £30/week in 13 of those weeks.

Maternity Pay and Leave Guide UK — Your Rights and Entitlements | PocketWise

Having a baby brings joy — and financial change. Understanding your maternity pay and leave rights ensures you can plan ahead and make the most of the support available to you.

Maternity Leave

All employed women are entitled to up to 52 weeks of maternity leave, regardless of how long they have worked for their employer:

Period	Duration	Detail
Ordinary Maternity Leave	First 26 weeks	Basic entitlement
Additional Maternity Leave	Next 26 weeks	Extended entitlement
Total	52 weeks	39 weeks paid + 13 weeks unpaid

You can start maternity leave any time from 11 weeks before your due date.

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)

Eligibility

Requirement	Detail
Employment	Worked for same employer for 26+ weeks by the 15th week before due date
Earnings	Average at least £123/week (Lower Earnings Limit)
Notice	Must give employer 28 days’ notice (or as soon as practical)
Evidence	MATB1 form from doctor or midwife (issued from 20 weeks)

SMP Rates (2025/26)

Period	Rate
Weeks 1–6	90% of average weekly earnings (no cap)
Weeks 7–39	£187.18/week or 90% of earnings (whichever is lower)
Weeks 40–52	Unpaid

SMP Example: £30,000 Salary

Period	Weekly Pay	Monthly Equivalent
Weeks 1–6	£519.23 (90% of £576.92)	£2,250
Weeks 7–39	£187.18	£811
Weeks 40–52	£0	£0
Total SMP received	—	~£9,279

Enhanced Maternity Pay

Some employers offer enhanced maternity pay above the statutory minimum. Check your contract or employee handbook. Common enhancements include:

Full pay for the first 6–26 weeks
Topped-up SMP for part of the leave
A return-to-work bonus

Maternity Allowance

If you do not qualify for SMP, you may qualify for Maternity Allowance:

Eligibility	Detail
Employed (but not qualifying for SMP)	26 weeks worked in the 66 weeks before due date
Self-employed	Registered as self-employed for 26 of the 66 weeks before due date
Earnings	Earned at least £30/week in 13 of those weeks
Duration	39 weeks
Rate	£187.18/week or 90% of earnings (whichever is less)

Apply through Jobcentre Plus.

Financial Planning for Maternity

Budget for Reduced Income

Month	Before Baby (£30k salary)	During SMP (Weeks 7-39)	Difference
Monthly take-home	£1,980	£811	-£1,169

Preparation Checklist

Action	When	Detail
Check maternity policy	Early pregnancy	Enhanced pay available?
Review household budget	3–6 months before due date	Identify essential vs non-essential spending
Build an emergency fund	As early as possible	Cover the income gap
Check benefit eligibility	6 months before	Universal Credit, Child Benefit, Tax-Free Childcare
Review insurance	Before leave	Life insurance, income protection
Plan return to work	During leave	Childcare costs, flexible working request

Your Rights at Work

Right	Detail
Cannot be dismissed for pregnancy-related reasons
Time off for antenatal	Paid time off for appointments
Risk assessment	Employer must assess workplace risks
Return to same job	After Ordinary Maternity Leave (26 weeks)
Return to suitable job	After Additional Maternity Leave (if same job not available)
Accrued holiday	Holiday continues to accrue during leave
KIT days	Up to 10 Keeping in Touch days (paid, optional)

Shared Parental Leave

You can convert maternity leave into Shared Parental Leave, allowing your partner to share the time off:

Feature	Detail
Total shared leave	Up to 50 weeks (after mandatory 2 weeks maternity)
Shared pay	Up to 37 weeks of ShPP at £187.18/week
Flexibility	Can be taken in blocks, concurrently, or alternately
Eligibility	Both parents must meet employment and earnings tests

See our paternity pay guide for the partner’s entitlements.

Benefits After Baby

Benefit	Amount	Who Qualifies
Child Benefit	£26.05/week (first child)	All families (income-based charge if >£60,000)
Tax-Free Childcare	Up to £2,000/year per child	Working parents
Free childcare hours	15–30 hours/week (age 9 months+)	Working parents meeting criteria
Universal Credit	Varies	Lower-income families
Sure Start Maternity Grant	£500 (one-off)	First child, on qualifying benefits

For a broader look at family finances, see our cost of raising a child guide and child benefit guide.