How Much Maternity Pay Will I Get? UK Maternity Pay Rates 2026/27

How Much Maternity Pay Will I Get?

This is the number one question every pregnant woman in the UK asks — and the answer depends on your employment status, earnings, and your employer's maternity policy. In this guide, we break down every possible scenario so you know exactly what to expect.

The UK provides two main statutory maternity payments: Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) paid by your employer, and Maternity Allowance (MA) paid by the government. Many employers also offer enhanced maternity pay on top of the statutory minimum.

Statutory Maternity Pay Rates for 2026/27

If you qualify for SMP, you'll receive:

•Weeks 1-6: 90% of your average weekly earnings (AWE) — with no upper cap

•Weeks 7-39: £194.32 per week, or 90% of your AWE if that's lower

•Weeks 40-52: Unpaid (but you're still entitled to maternity leave)

Your average weekly earnings are calculated using your gross pay over an 8-week reference period. This typically covers two monthly pay packets before the qualifying week (the 15th week before your due date).

SMP Examples at Different Salaries

Here's what your total gross SMP looks like at common salary levels:

•£20,000/year: Weeks 1-6 at £346.15/week + Weeks 7-39 at £194.32/week = £8,489 total

•£25,000/year: Weeks 1-6 at £432.69/week + Weeks 7-39 at £194.32/week = £9,009 total

•£30,000/year: Weeks 1-6 at £519.23/week + Weeks 7-39 at £194.32/week = £9,528 total

•£35,000/year: Weeks 1-6 at £605.77/week + Weeks 7-39 at £194.32/week = £10,047 total

•£40,000/year: Weeks 1-6 at £692.31/week + Weeks 7-39 at £194.32/week = £10,566 total

•£50,000/year: Weeks 1-6 at £865.38/week + Weeks 7-39 at £194.32/week = £11,605 total

For your exact figures, use our Maternity Pay Calculator.

Maternity Allowance Rates

If you don't qualify for SMP — for example, if you're self-employed, recently changed jobs, or work through an agency — you may be entitled to Maternity Allowance.

The MA rate for 2026/27 is:

•Up to £194.32 per week for 39 weeks, or

•90% of your average weekly earnings if that's less than £194.32

A key advantage of Maternity Allowance: it's completely tax-free. This means £194.32 per week goes directly into your bank with no deductions, unlike SMP which is subject to Income Tax and National Insurance.

Read our complete Maternity Allowance guide for full eligibility details.

What About Tax on Maternity Pay?

SMP is treated as earnings, so you'll pay Income Tax and National Insurance on it. However, because your income is lower during maternity leave, you may pay less tax than you expect:

•During the flat-rate period (£194.32/week), your annualised income is about £10,105 — well below the Personal Allowance of £12,570

•During the 90% period, you'll pay tax at your normal rate on those higher earnings

•You may receive a tax refund if your total annual income is lower than expected

Use our Take-Home Pay Calculator to see exactly what you'll receive after deductions.

Enhanced Maternity Pay

Many employers offer pay above the statutory minimum. Common packages include:

•Full pay for a set period — typically 12 to 26 weeks at full salary

•Topped-up SMP — employer pays the difference between SMP and your normal pay

•Occupational Maternity Pay — a separate scheme common in the public sector

According to recent surveys, around 44% of UK employers offer some form of enhanced maternity pay. Check your employee handbook, contract, or HR department to find out what your employer offers.

Examples of Enhanced Maternity Pay

•NHS: 8 weeks full pay + 18 weeks half pay + 13 weeks SMP + 13 weeks unpaid

•Civil Service: 26 weeks full pay + 13 weeks SMP + 13 weeks unpaid

•Many private companies: 16-20 weeks full pay + remainder at SMP

Boosting Your Income During Maternity Leave

Beyond your maternity pay, there are several ways to increase your income:

1.Child Benefit: Worth up to £27.05/week for your first child — that's £1,406.60/year

2.Tax-Free Childcare: Up to £2,000/year per child towards childcare costs

3.Universal Credit: You may qualify depending on your household income

4.Sure Start Maternity Grant: A one-off £500 if it's your first child and you're on certain benefits

5.Keeping In Touch (KIT) days: Work up to 10 days during maternity leave for extra pay on top of SMP

How to Maximise Your Maternity Pay

•Time your maternity leave start: Use annual leave before your official maternity leave begins

•Check for pay rises: A pay rise during your reference period can increase your SMP

•Salary sacrifice wisely: Be aware that salary sacrifice (e.g., for childcare vouchers) can reduce your AWE

•Plan with your partner: Consider Shared Parental Leave for flexible arrangements

Plan Your Finances Now

Understanding how much you'll receive is the first step. For a complete plan:

•Calculate your SMP with our free calculator

•Plan your maternity leave dates

•Read our financial planning guide

•Check your maternity leave rights